Workforce Turmoil Continues at Tesla with Fourth Week of Layoffs Announced

By: Georgia | Published: May 07, 2024

For the fourth consecutive week, Tesla has issued layoff notices, with employees receiving the unsettling news over the weekend. 

It’s another round in a series that’s leaving Tesla teams noticeably thinner.

The Email No One Wants

Business Insider reports that a Tesla employee shared their experience on LinkedIn, revealing the dreaded “Hello Employee” email that marked their turn for the layoffs.

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A white Tesla Model S plugged into a Tesla Supercharger station by the sea with a scenic view of a hillside town and the sunset in the background

Source: Tesla/X

The email was a Sunday afternoon shocker that’s become all too common at the company.

The Layoff Countdown Begins

One worker’s layoff notice even came with a final workday of May 5, shared via a screenshot on LinkedIn.

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Aerial photograph of a large Tesla Gigafactory complex, showing sprawling buildings and parking lots, with distant views of industrial areas and flat landscapes

Source: Tesla/X

The tangible dates add a stark reality to the rumors of cuts that have been circulating.

Tesla's Silent Treatment?

As the layoff storm continues, Tesla has yet to make a formal comment.

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A large group of diverse Tesla employees standing together for a photo in front of a Tesla office building, with the American and California flags flying above

Source: Tesla/X

Requests for a statement from the company remain unanswered, adding to the tension among the workforce.

The Wait for Closure

A Tesla employee expressed the collective sentiment of the workforce, hoping for a sign from Elon Musk that the wave of layoffs might be ending soon.

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Elon Musk, wearing a casual grey T-shirt and jeans, speaking into a microphone at a Tesla event with a red background and a Tesla logo

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The need for some assurance or closure is palpable among the staff.

The Ripple Effect of Musk’s Announcement

Since Elon Musk announced a more than 10% cut in Tesla’s workforce on April 14, citing “duplication of roles,” employees have been on a rollercoaster.

Elon Musk sitting in a dark suit, looking reflective with crossed legs and hands resting on a chair, on a dark stage

Source: Wikimedia Commons

They have been receiving layoff notices in waves, often with little warning.

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Unexpected Goodbyes

The aftermath of the layoffs has been chaotic.

An expansive aerial view of a Tesla Gigafactory at sunset, showing the factory's massive rooftop covered in solar panels, surrounded by a rural landscape

Source: Tesla/X

Some employees reportedly found out about their job status only when they failed to badge into Tesla facilities, a rude awakening to their new reality.

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Layoffs Across the Board

From marketing to supercharging teams, no department has been safe.

A modern building with large glass walls and "TESLA" signage, located in a serene setting with trees and a clear sky at dusk

Source: Tesla/X

Tesla’s sweeping job cuts have even reached the recruiters who once helped build the team.

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Musk’s Call for a Lean Team

Elon Musk has been clear about the need for a leaner operation.

Close-up of Elon Musk in a business suit, looking contemplative at an outdoor event with blurred figures in the background

Source: Wikimedia Commons

He reportedly told executives last week that Tesla must be “absolutely hardcore about headcount,” indicating a no-nonsense approach to the company’s restructuring.

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Executive Exodus

Amidst the internal cuts, Tesla has also seen a significant turnover among its executives.

Workers in safety vests inspecting a black Tesla car under a futuristic illuminated arch in a Tesla factory

Source: Tesla/X

Business Insider reports that two senior figures resigned recently, signaling major shifts at the top levels of Tesla’s leadership.

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The Financial Shuffle

Tesla’s strategy also includes price cuts across models. 

Multiple Tesla cars charging at Supercharger stations lined up in an urban setting with modern buildings and trees in the background

Source: Tesla/X

This move comes as the company grapples with increasing competition and slowing sales.

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A Tough Time for Tesla

As Tesla confronts a dip in demand for its vehicles, evidenced by disappointing delivery numbers in April, the pressure only mounts.

The front of a Tesla showroom in a mall, featuring a glass facade with Tesla cars displayed inside and people walking by

Source: Tesla/X

With ongoing layoffs and a reshuffling of leadership, the company faces critical challenges ahead.

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