Atlassian Lays Off 150 Employees because of AI

How to Avoid Falling for Sensational Headlines

Before getting swept up by viral social media posts or news alerts, pause. Check the data. Do the math. Take a deep breath.

Case in point:

Atlassian, a collaboration software company, just announced laying off 150 customer support representatives because AI will handle some of their tasks. And social media influencers and news outlets are in full outrage mode.

Here’s the bigger picture:

• Atlassian’s workforce has been growing about 10% year-over-year

• 150 positions is slightly over 1% of their current total workforce

• Customer support includes highly repetitive functions, and shifting 15–20% of that tactical work to AI shouldn’t be shocking (the percentage is based on estimates for the size of their customer service organization)

This is par for the course when companies adopt AI.

Atlassian could have done a better job with the announcement, explaining it in more realist terms, but efficiencies mean some tactical roles will change or disappear. It doesn’t mean the sky is falling.