• JD.com told managers it is looking to reduce headcount across the company, cutting some teams by as much as half
• JD.com is reneging on some work contracts and offering affected college graduates token compensation

JD.com is preparing deep cuts to its workforce and rescinding some job offers as the Chinese e-commerce giant struggles to revive dwindling morale and rein in losses, people familiar with the matter said.

Alibaba Group Holding’s closest rival told managers that it is looking to reduce headcount across the company, cutting some teams by as much as half, one of the people said, citing an internal email. JD.com is reneging on some work contracts and offering affected college graduates token compensation of 5,000 yuan (US$745), the people said, asking not to be identified discussing a private matter. The Information earlier reported that, all told, JD.com could be slashing its workforce by as much as 8 per cent.

The threat of firings has walloped morale and prompted many to explore employment elsewhere, according to the people. JD.com has come under increasing pressure from a more-diversified Alibaba as Chinese consumption succumbs to a decelerating economy, while upstart rivals such as Pinduoduo draw customers away. JD.com’s latest move mirrors internal overhauls by Tencent Holdings and Didi Chuxing, which were coming off their once-breakneck pace of growth.

But JD.com, which has not posted annual net income since its 2014 listing, has had three of its most senior executives announce departures within the past two months, including its chief technology officer. It is reportedly come under fire publicly for also effectively trying to lower the salaries of its couriers – once a source of company pride.

JD.com spokesman Brad Burgess declined to comment on the job cuts, saying only that the company was getting back to its entrepreneurial roots. JD Logistics said in a social media post that changing courier pay structures were necessary with wages being protected for four to six months during the transition.

Source: JD.com targets deep job cuts as morale sags at Chinese online shopping firm | South China Morning Post