I think we can all see by now that the most affected by these layoffs are older employees with most knowledge and experience. Basically, people who made SAP what it is.
I have to wonder, do those on top really think they can get rid of so many of crucial people and not have it reflect on the company's operations and results in the long run?
I think these layoffs will turn out to be SAP's biggest mistake when all is said and done.
Over 10 years in SAP Asia as an employee here.
Had started with dedication and loyalty to a quality company, with that constant tension between Engineering and Sales, but things were still ok, customers were the focus.
BUT it changed.
Last few years were just down and out with constant cost cutting. Everything was driven by costs — Top level managment changed from Germans (think Deutschmarks) to Americans (think USD) to Australians (think AUD). People were let go. If you are a high paid executive, they just tell you your headcount is gone. If you are a Low paid grade, they find some reason to push you out on the basis of performance. Either way, they want you out because the only time we get paid for layoffs is if there is a bucket of money for. top down (like now in 2019). Even so, there is constant info that the ones informed now will be the “lucky ones”. More will be pushed out and the headcount is expected to go down by end of the year (excluding new headcounts from acquisitions).
Many Indian managers and senior executives were brought at the mid layer in the last few years. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they deliver, but they never. They talk but never deliver. They stead credit from others. They use their P&L and managerial power to kick out the locals and hire their own relatives from India. It doesn’t help that HR in SAP is just at manager beck and call. Those who are in the inner circle form the HANA circle, and with zero discount policies for HANA, they get the fattest commissions though they do nothing. They piggy back on other people labour.
Then the Indians bring in their even lower-cost Filipino subordinates, those who are good in a-- kissing and nothing more. They only work when the manager is in front of them and say all the right things. More time is spent on monitoring SAP employee shares which SAP gave 40% discount upfront. Even Bill knows time is short and gives obscene discounts for employee stocks.
Nobody is interested in customer’s interest.
I can't see nor hear anything. What failures are your referring to?
The Qualtrics deal was an organizational shift in itself and pretty telling about where the company is headed. Leaving old systems behind, and putting their money behind "Experience Management".
Bill is just a sales guy and there are many of them. 10 years after he leaves noone will remember.
From the top, anyone is dispensable. Technology can be learned by any new person and even make
It better due to new idea and no past sap baggage as memories.. just maybe
I would not be surprised to see Bill leave soon. You can see it in his face and hear it in his voice.
Mismanagement, failed acquisitions, loss of key leadership, inability to grow because of German labor laws and politics, list goes on and on. It has taken a toll on him....it’s really sad, he is a good leader and did everything he could but his hands are tied.