Google, Microsoft laying off staff in S.Korea

The South Korean branches of Google and Microsoft have started efforts to cut staff in line with what analysts call large-scale restructuring of global big tech worldwide. 

Sources in the information and communications technology sector on Sunday said Google Korea recently sent an email offering severance packages depending on conditions to staff targeted for downsizing.

"The offer is for a higher-value severance package if the recommended resignation offer is accepted within the time limit," a source at Google Korea said. "The gist of the offer is six to 15 months' salary as compensation depending on position and years worked."

Google, which employs 12,000 at its headquarters in Mountain View, California, in late January announced downsizing of around 6% of its overall workforce. If this percentage is applied to its Seoul branch, which had around 700 employees as of late last year, some 40 staff will be subject to restructuring.

Microsoft Korea, whose payroll count was 475 late last year, also began restructuring last month. From last month to this month, around 20 employees have received severance package offers through individual interviews, including up to 24 months of salary as compensation depending on years worked.

Based in Redmond, Washington, the parent company announced a restructuring plan that involves laying off about 10,000 staff by the third quarter this year, or around 5% of its combined workforce.
 
Write to Han-Gyeol Seon at always@hankyung.com