Meta plans to lay off about 8,000 employees, roughly 10% of its global workforce, on May 20. The company says it will provide a “generous severance package” including 16 weeks of base pay plus two additional weeks for every year of employment. For US employees, Meta will also cover COBRA health insurance costs for up to 18 months for workers and their families.
Oracle’s mass layoffs of nearly 20,000 employees have sparked lawsuits and allegations spanning severance, WARN Act notice protections, and forfeited stock compensation. Workers claim they were classified as remote to reduce legal safeguards, received notice late, and lost unvested equity far bigger than wages. The company has not publicly responded as disputes grow across the US, India, and other regions.
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Laid-off Oracle employees say they pushed for better severance terms, only to be rejected by the company. A key dispute: some workers reportedly found they didn’t qualify for WARN Act protections like a two-month notice because Oracle classified them as remote employees, cutting off timelines and benefits the employees expected.
Microsoft has launched its first-ever voluntary retirement programme for eligible US employees, potentially affecting about 8,750 people as the company restructures. Staff meeting an age plus service threshold can opt to leave, with expanded healthcare support, severance tied to tenure, and accelerated vesting. The move comes alongside changes to performance and compensation reviews.
Coinbase is cutting about 14% of its global workforce, affecting roughly 700 employees, citing tough market conditions and the shift toward an AI-first operation. The company says severance will be provided, including tailored provisions for international staff and employees on work visas, as it restructures to stay lean and move faster with automation.
Accenture’s latest signals are alarming for Indian IT workers. Despite reporting strong revenue, the company is cutting jobs, seeing muted growth, and has set aside about USD 250 million for severance. The gap between revenue strength and workforce actions suggests the pressure is real, challenging the long-held assumption of steady job security in the sector.
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New CEOs in India are putting employment contracts under a microscope, pushing for detailed terms on roles, severance, and equity. With higher performance pressure and tighter regulatory scrutiny, executives are increasingly seeking legal and consulting support to negotiate both entry and exit. At the same time, companies are growing more willing to meet these demands to secure and retain top leadership talent.
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