URGENT UPDATE: Tech industry executives are increasingly targeting middle managers for layoffs, prompting serious concerns from former industry leaders like Judd Antin. Antin, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience at Facebook and Airbnb, warns that these crucial roles may be at risk as companies embrace a trend he calls the “Great Flattening.”
Antin, who has managed teams exceeding 100 people, recently expressed his dismay over the ongoing layoffs of middle management, emphasizing their essential role in organizational success. He argues that the culling of these positions is less about necessity and more about a lack of understanding regarding their value.
In a startling revelation, Antin recalls his own experience during a significant restructuring at Airbnb in 2022, where he oversaw the creation of a design studio. He realized that middle managers, when empowered, could drive efficiency and innovation. “I worry that middle managers have become an easy target for out-of-touch executives,” he stated.
Antin’s path from an individual contributor at Yahoo to managing middle managers at Facebook illustrates the changing landscape of corporate leadership. He highlights that many middle managers lack the guidance and support needed to thrive, often resulting in missed opportunities for impact. “Demonstrating effectiveness as a middle manager is crucial,” he says.
The trend of layoffs is alarming. With reports indicating that over 25% of some teams have been reduced, the implications are profound. Middle managers are often seen as bureaucrats, yet Antin argues that they are vital for communication and decision-making within organizations.
Antin’s approach to management emphasizes the importance of autonomy and collaboration. By allowing managers to set their own goals and define their paths to success, he fostered a culture of feedback and proactive problem-solving within his teams. This resulted in improved operational efficiency, allowing teams to avoid bottlenecks caused by excessive hierarchical approval processes.
As tech giants like Meta and Airbnb re-evaluate their organizational structures, the fate of middle management hangs in the balance. Antin’s insights serve as a call to action: both middle managers and senior executives must engage in a dialogue that recognizes the value of these roles.
In this critical moment, Antin urges middle managers to take bold steps to showcase their impact and drive organizational success. “It’s a two-way street,” he asserts, calling for investment in managerial talent as essential for an organization’s growth.
The situation is developing rapidly. As more companies announce layoffs, the tech industry is poised for a potential shift in how leadership roles are valued. Stakeholders are watching closely to see how this will affect organizational dynamics and employee morale across the sector.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold. Would you like to share your own experience with middle management in tech? Contact the editor for more insights.
