Verizon to Incur Up to $1.9 Billion Charge in Workforce Reduction Plan

Verizon corporate headquarters Basking Ridge

Verizon is undertaking a significant workforce reduction through a voluntary separation program, which will result in substantial severance costs for the telecommunications giant. In a regulatory filing, the company disclosed it is expected to record a severance charge between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion in the third quarter alone.

The restructuring plan, which was first announced in June, will affect approximately 4,800 to 5,000 employees. According to reports, more than half of the affected staff were scheduled to depart in September, with the entire process of workforce reduction slated to be completed by March 2025. This move is part of the company's broader strategy to streamline operations and manage costs in a competitive market.

While the current focus is on the voluntary program, this is not the only restructuring effort within the company. Other reports have indicated that Verizon is also planning a major overhaul of its retail store operations, which could involve further layoffs and the closure of numerous cellphone locations. The total cost for the 4,800 job cuts highlights the financial scale of the company's current transition. The separation program aims to give employees the option to leave voluntarily, but it marks a significant shift in the company's staffing levels.

This workforce reduction is one of the most substantial for Verizon in recent years, reflecting ongoing pressures in the telecommunications industry. As the company continues to invest heavily in its 5G network and adapt to changing consumer habits, these cost-cutting measures are presented as necessary steps to maintain financial health and competitiveness. As part of the timeline, the workforce reduction is slated to be completed by March 2025, concluding this phase of its strategic realignment.