Spotify Fires 200 Employees Globally, The Most Affected Podcast Division!

Spotify again terminated employment (PHK) as many as 200 employees. It is claimed that the podcast division was the most affected this time. (photo; dock.spotify)

JAKARTA - Spotify has again terminated employment (PHK) as many as 200 employees. It is claimed that the podcast division was the most affected this time.

In its announcement, the company stated that this move was part of their efforts to change the way Spotify handles its partnership with leading podcasters from around the world.

"We are expanding our partnership efforts with leading podcasters from around the world with a special approach optimized for every event and content creator," Spotify Vice President Sahar Elhabashi said in an announcement, quoted Tuesday, June 6.

Spotify's global workforce is 8,359 people in 2020 with 4,332 employees in the United States (US), based on SEC filing data.

With the layoff of 200 employees in the podcast division, it represents about 2 percent of Spotify's worldwide workforce.

"We know that news like this is never easy, especially for those affected. This decision is not something we take lightly," said Elhabashi.

Elhabashi added that those affected would receive severance pay packages, including extended health care coverage and direct access to job placement support.

Launching CNBC International, Spotify has poured a lot of funds into expanding its podcast unit in the last three years.

Spotify again terminated 200 employees. It is claimed that the podcast division was the most affected this time.

Since 2020, the company has spent $526 million, for four different acquisitions in the podcast space. Spotify also held sponsorship deals with famous names such as Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex and Joe Rogan.

Going forward, this streaming service will combine Parcast and Gimlet into updated Spotify Studios operations, and will continue to produce a variety of original high-impact works.

Additionally, the two studios will have new events with increasing focus on always active programs and encouraging strong viewers to attract advertisers.

"I want to thank everyone for your understanding and continued cooperation. I firmly believe in this team and that this next phase brings opportunities beyond anything we have seen," concluded Elhabashi.