Disney has recently announced a second round of job cuts that will affect approximately 4,000 positions across various divisions of the company, including Disney Entertainment and ESPN, as well as Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. This move is part of the larger company-wide restructuring aimed at reducing costs by $5.5 billion, leading to a total of 7,000 job cuts.

Details of the Cuts

Disney’s second round of cuts will impact a broad range of departments, from Burbank, California, to New York and Connecticut. The entertainment giant’s earlier round of cuts in March hit the company’s metaverse strategies unit and a part of its Beijing office. According to reports, ESPN will eliminate under 100 positions, mainly behind-the-scenes workers, with an ability assessment expected to follow. This will lead to unexpected cuts and non-renewals of contracts.

A Time of Vulnerability

Disney co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden’s note to employees stated that notifications would continue throughout the company for several days. They also noted that each group is in a better place simultaneously, and restructuring in different organizations will continue for the next few months, with additional effects expected before summer. They emphasized the senior leadership teams’ priority to get it right instead of done quickly and acknowledged that it has been a time of vulnerability, and these are hard choices not taken lightly.

Support for Affected Employees

Disney officials have reiterated their commitment to supporting employees during this challenging time and expressed that they do not take the departure of so many colleagues lightly. Affected employees are encouraged to contact their leaders or HR partners for assistance or questions.

Final Thoughts

The announcement of the second round of cuts across various divisions of Disney comes as part of a larger company-wide restructuring aimed at reducing costs. While these cuts will impact many employees, the company has stated its commitment to supporting those affected and assisting them during this challenging time. The restructuring and rebuilding in different organizations will continue for the next few months, and additional effects are expected before summer.