The Midwest region of the United States has experienced a range of layoffs in 2023, with some tech companies affected, though the impact varies across different states. Wisconsin has seen around 1,500 layoffs, including those at tech company Hutchinson Technology, while Iowa has had layoffs at Wells Fargo, David’s Bridal, Mom’s Meals, and Pearson. Minnesota has avoided significant tech layoffs due to its lack of a tech-educated workforce but has experienced layoffs at 3M, Medtronic, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. North Dakota has seen layoffs from Microsoft, WEX, CoSchedule, and North Dakota State University. South Dakota has been least impacted by tech layoffs, with no reports of tech-specific layoffs, while Illinois has seen cuts at CDW due to uncertain economic conditions.
Tech Layoffs in Wisconsin
So far this year, companies in Wisconsin have laid off around 1,500 employees. Tech company, Hutchingson Technology, a manufacturer of computer storage laid off 230 of those workers. Other employers that had layoffs include Marshfield Clinic Health System, Fetch, Cardinal Stritch University, and others. Although not all of these layoffs represent tech layoffs, many in the tech industry will be impacted by the layoffs due to the need and support nature of tech jobs.
The hardest hit cities likely will be those with the biggest populations, such as Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay.
Tech Layoffs in Iowa
Although there have not been reports of layoffs of tech workers, specifically, there have been several layoffs within Iowa that will likely impact the technology community. Wells Fargo, David’s Bridal, Mom’s Meals, and Pearson all have made layoffs in the state of Iowa.
- Pearson closed its office and laid off 50 people.
- Wells Fargo made its 10th round of layoffs, in part due to its declining lending revenue.
- David’s Bridal, also made significant layoffs in preparation for its bankruptcy filing.
Tech Layoffs in Minnesota
Minnesota has avoided much of the layoffs relating to information technology. However, that is not because it has a robust economy or strong tech community. Rather, it’s more about the fact that Minnesota has a lack of technology-educated workforce, according to MPR.
Minnesota has seen its fair share of layoffs in 2023, including those at 3M, Medtronic, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, and even the Minnesota Science Museum. Minnesota has taken a beating over the last ten years. In 2013, the state boasted 19 Fortune 500 companies. Today, it only has 16 Fortune 500 companies.
Tech Layoffs in North Dakota
North Dakota has seen layoffs in the first part of the year, although seemingly less than other midwest states, like Minnesota. However, the announcement of Microsoft to layoff 10,000 workers and its impact on the Microsoft campus in Fargo is unclear. Other layoffs include those from WEX, CoSchedule, and North Dakota State University (NDSU).
Tech Layoffs in South Dakota
South Dakota may be one of the states that are least impacted by the tech layoffs so far in 2023. In December, the state’s largest newspaper announced that it was facing layoffs. Other layoffs in the state include those from Sanford Health and Avera Health both of which are nonclinical. There were no reports of tech specific layoffs being discussed at South Dakota news outlets.
Tech Layoffs in Illinois
Back in September of 2022, Illinois ranked number two for small businesses planning to layoff employees. This is according to a layoff survey by Alignable. The most notable tech layoffs in Illinois come from IT solution provider, CDW. These cuts were due to uncertain economic conditions, according to a CRN article.
In conclusion, while the Midwest region of the United States has experienced a range of layoffs in 2023, the impact on the technology sector varies across different states. Some states like Wisconsin and Iowa have seen significant layoffs, including those in the tech industry, while others like South Dakota have been less impacted. The impact of the layoffs on the region’s tech industry remains to be seen, but it is likely to be significant, given the role that tech plays in the modern economy.