The ripple effects of tech layoffs extend beyond the immediate job loss, leaving behind a tangible reminder of what once was – company swag.
According to layoffs.fyi, as of Feb 13, 2024 there have been 462,254 tech employees laid off over the past 26 months.
- 2024: 141 tech companies with 34,250 employees laid off
- 2023: 1,192 tech companies with 262,735 employees laid off
- 2022: 1,065 tech companies with 165,269 employees laid off
Tech companies are known for their culture of distributing swag – from t-shirts to beanies – to foster team spirit. But what happens to all this branded gear when layoffs hit? The once-cheerful team spirit quickly sours, leaving behind an unpleasant stench lurking in the dark corners of a tech employee’s closet or gathering dust under the bed.
An average tech employee, accumulating 8-10 pieces of swag annually over a typical 2-year tenure (personal guestimates from experience), means we’re looking at 7 to 9 million pieces of unused or unwanted swag in the aftermath of these layoffs.
With approximately 650,000 homeless people in the USA, this surplus of tech swag could potentially offer a minimum of 10 items per person, providing a temporary solution to a need for clothing. Yet, this raises questions about corporate responsibility and the real value of such items beyond their initial morale-boosting intent
This situation underscores the need for tech companies to rethink their approach to swag and consider more sustainable, impactful ways to build team spirit and support their communities, especially in the wake of layoffs. Could these companies turn a symbol of lost jobs into an opportunity for meaningful contribution?
Lets not forget, this simple data exercise is conservative as it overlooks those who left their jobs willingly but keep the swag for its sentimental value.
Anyways, consider donating your unused tech swag to charity 🙂
unpublished alpha 