Social media platform TikTok has implemented a fresh round of layoffs, letting go of at least a dozen employees in Singapore, effective immediately. According to The Straits Times, the job cuts are part of the company’s broader effort to streamline back-end operations globally and align with long-term growth strategies.

According to a Linkedin User who identified as a product manger on the team, the layoff impacted "multiple departments across Trust and Safety" and "some really bright and passionate individuals".

TikToks Desperate attempts to improve "operational efficiency"

The Straits Times reports that at least 12 TikTok employees in Singapore has lost their jobs "with immediate effect" after receiving an email from the company notifying them about the layoff on Feb 20.

It was stated in the email that the decision to let them go was made after months of careful consideration, and this layoff was to aid the company in its operational efficiency and align better with its business needs.

Employees who received the notification had their access revoked within an hour, while some were able to retain their roles.

Ironically, just days before the layoff, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced that TikTok had the highest safety rating amongst six social media platforms in Singapore.

This is not the first time TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have reduced their workforce in the region. Besides Singapore, employees from TikTok's offices in Asia-Pacific, Europe Middle East, Africa and the United States were also affected, according to a Reuter report.

Some online discussions are also suggesting that the company is shifting its strategies to gradually replace manual jobs with automation. A Reddit user noted that despite the layoffs, TikTok continues to hire, particularly in roles related to automation, which is expected to lead to a net loss of labour while increasing profitability.

In January 2024, Tiktok's Chief Executive Officer, Chew Shou Zi told the United States Congress that the company has 40,000 trust and safety professionals worldwide. He also stated that Tiktok would invest more than US$2 billion in trust and safety efforts.

Big tech facing similar predicament

TikTok’s layoffs reflect a broader trend in big tech and social media companies. Just ten days before TikTok's announcement, Meta also announced a mass laid off of several employees at its Singapore office as part of its performance terminations.

Similarly, Singapore-based property technology platform PropertyGuru also retrenched 174 employees-around 12% of its workforce-and shut down three of its business units, including home service portal Sendhelper.

In a note published on the company website, PropertyGuru expresses that the company took great consideration before making the necessary decision to ensure its long-term growth and success.

He adds that the change reflects the company's commitment to build a more focused, agile and effective organisation.