# Person Close to Tencent Says 50% Figure May Be Misread as Layoff Plan

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/55330
Published: 2026-11-12T11:53:53.000Z
Updated: 2026-11-12T11:53:53.000Z
Section: Business

> The figure described a split between improving core businesses and exploring AI Native work and new growth areas.

A person close to Tencent rejected a claim that the company would lay off 50% of its workforce, saying the figure may have been misread from an AI-era staffing approach.

The person said Tencent management expressed a determination to accelerate organizational change during a Linktime online broadcast marking the company’s 28th anniversary. Under the approach described, half of employees would focus on improving existing core businesses, while the other half would explore AI Native work and new areas for growth.

The person characterized the current push as more proactive and focused on efficiency than an effort several years ago that emphasized cost reduction. The person also said management encouraged frontline employees to take initiative and called for middle managers to become flatter and more agile.