Samsung’s Workforce Shrinks to 262,000: Key Trends and Shifts in Global Employment
Samsung, one of the world’s largest tech companies, reported a total workforce of 262,647 employees in 2024. While this number remains substantial, it reflects a steady decline from previous years as the company strategically adjusts its global operations.
Workforce Trends: Decline Globally, Growth Domestically
A closer look at Samsung’s recent employment data reveals:
- 262,647 employees in 2024, down from 267,860 in 2023 and 270,278 in 2022.
- This marks a reduction of 7,631 jobs (2.82%) over the past two years.
Global vs. Korean Employment
- Global employees decreased sharply from 152,351 in 2022 to 137,350 in 2024—a decline of 15,001 jobs.
- In contrast, domestic (Korean) employment rose from 117,927 in 2022 to 125,297 in 2024, an increase of 7,370.
Changes by Contract and Job Type
- Non-fixed term contracts: 259,434 employees in 2024, down from 266,613 in 2022.
- Fixed term contracts: 3,213 in 2024, down from 3,665 in 2022.
Job category breakdown (2024 vs. 2022):
- Development: 88,984 (up from 80,423)
- Manufacturing: 105,571 (down from 117,190)
- Quality assurance/EHS: 18,731 (down from 19,763)
- Sales/Marketing: 23,466 (down from 24,703)
- Other roles: 25,895 (down from 28,199)
Focus on R&D, Youth Training, and Safety
Samsung is ramping up investment in R&D, with spending rising to 35 trillion Korean won ($25.7 billion) in 2024, compared to 28.3 trillion won ($20.7 billion) in 2023.
- The company is also expanding its Samsung Software AI Academy for Youth (SSAFY), investing 37.5 billion won ($27 million) last year to train 2,200 young professionals.
Additionally, Samsung is prioritizing workplace safety, aiming to reduce industrial accidents and lost time incident rates by 2030, as outlined in its latest 2025 Sustainability Report.
Outlook: A Shifting Workforce for a Changing Industry
Samsung’s approach reflects broader tech industry trends, with global downsizing and domestic growth, an emphasis on innovation, and continued investments in talent development and safety.
- As the company focuses on R&D and digital transformation, expect further evolution in its workforce composition and skills in the coming years.
