Rumors are circulating that IBM is about to through a major reorganization where a large portion of the workforce will lose their jobs. These rumors say that up to 150,000 people can lose their jobs. This is close to half of the 350,000 employees. It has later been confirmed that IBM is indeed reorganizing and educating its personnel in LEAN and that many jobs will be cut. Even if 150,000 seems to be a bit exaggerated it’s not impossible, most likely a lot fewer, at least closer to 75,000. The really ironic about this is that the LEAN project has been accused of presenting the real problems at IBM; inability to use and divide resources appropriately and lack of connection with reality “in some parts of the company.”
Personnel have been told not to reveal anything to the public and many are those who are disappointed with IBM because of the treatment. The reason is said to be a stock that hasn’t moved an inch in a very long time and a CEO that wants to change this.
