Large tech companies don't exist to serve as employment programs for software engineers.
If they believe it will increase profits without longterm harm then layoffs/salary freezes are the right thing for them to do as a company even if they are wildly successful.
Layoffs are frequently done when a company is struggling, so people seem to think it's incongruous for a company to do layoffs if they are doing well.
> If they believe it will increase profits without longterm harm then layoffs/salary freezes are the right thing for them to do as a company even if they are wildly successful.
And that doesn't need to be the case. Many of these multi-national big tech companies have failed to move forward with layoffs in some countries because of laws that protect workers.
For example, in some countries, companies need to prove that they're struggling in order to lay people off.
Surely though if it’s in the companies interest to not keep certain staff on the payroll now (I.e.), that’s because they believe reducing headcount will make them a healthier company.
A healthier company has more longevity, and a company with more longevity will hire more people in the long term than an inefficient or bloated company. I feel like your perspective does not take time horizons into account.
If they believe it will increase profits without longterm harm then layoffs/salary freezes are the right thing for them to do as a company even if they are wildly successful.
Layoffs are frequently done when a company is struggling, so people seem to think it's incongruous for a company to do layoffs if they are doing well.