Australian tech firm Atlassian has let go of 150 staff in a pre-recorded video, citing the need for restructuring amid its push into AI-embedded customer contact solutions. The company’s CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes announced the decision via video titled “Restructuring the CSS Team: A Difficult Decision for Our Future”. Employees were informed that those leaving would receive six months’ pay and had their laptops blocked immediately.
The move is seen as a significant step in Atlassian’s efforts to incorporate AI into its customer service, with the company stating it aims to automate simple queries. Former co-CEO Scott Farquhar had previously emphasized the importance of embracing AI for everyday use, saying “AI is going to change Australia”. However, staff members believe that Farquhar would have delivered a more gentle termination message.
The move follows similar actions by Commonwealth Bank (CBA), which cut at least 45 jobs as it adopts AI technology. Atlassian has stated that the jobs are not being replaced by AI but rather embedded in its customer service to focus on complex queries requiring human interaction and empathy.
Source: https://www.cyberdaily.au/digital-transformation/12441-atlassian-terminates-150-staff-with-pre-recorded-video-ai-customer-contact-solutions-rolled-out