APRIL 21, 2023 — SEVERAL HUNDRED CORPORATE EMPLOYEES TARGETED
Whole Foods has announced a planned reorganization of select teams and has adopted an Amazon-approved reduction in force to contain costs.
According to a company spokesperson, “We often talk about how simplifying our work and improving how we operate is critical as we grow, We’ve made great progress in these areas through previous operational and organizational changes. As the grocery industry continues to rapidly evolve, and as we — like all retailers — have navigated challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and continued economic uncertainty, it has become clear that we need to continue to build on these changes. With additional adjustments, we will be able to further simplify our operations, make processes easier, and improve how we support our stores.”
MARCH 26, 2018 — Original post…
Continuing its efforts to restructure Whole Foods Market after its acquisition by Amazon last year, Whole Foods has announced that there will be a company-wide layoff of individual store graphic artists and all regional marketing office positions below associate coordinator would be permanently laid off. The goal is to centralize signage decisions and the production of store signage in order to capitalize on the economies of scale. While a specific number of layoffs was not announced, it will probably affect over one hundred employees across eleven regions and 450 stores.
The layoff plan was reportedly announced by the President of the Northeast Region, Nicole Wescoe via a 7-minute telephone conference call. It is said that the usual company platitudes were employed.
“I want you guys to understand that decisions like this across the company — it is no reflection on how we value you, the work you do, and how you show up every day." The company needs to “better align staffing” to “support the needs of the business.” And the old standby, “this decision was not made lightly.”
Again, hard work, dedication, and superb execution was trumped by corporate expediency. One wonders if the high-minded socially-conscious social justice crowd that shops at Whole Foods Markets will care or will say anything about a company now headed by one of the richest men in the world.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?