Blackberry, a company that had been declining rapidly for the past few years, have been continually laying off employees in an attempt to cut losses and reduce their liabilities. However, the loss of these human resources only mean that other tech companies will benefit. Though Research In Motion had dominated the Canadian tech sector for a long time, overshadowing other companies, it does not mean that the other companies are also doing poorly. In fact, with all the former Blackberry employees now looking for jobs once more, a once Blackberry-centered pool of talent is now spread farther around, which may lead to an overall improvement in Canada’s tech sector.
Though news of Blackberry’s fall may not sit well with investors who have lost, and to the owners and higher-ups of the company who are still struggling to guide the declining company back towards its former glory, there is still something positive to be garnered by those laid off during this fall. Blackberry was a very big company, but there are many smaller businesses that, unlike Blackberry, are stable and growing. As the giant company deflates, laying off employees, those employees will find new jobs in other companies, bringing in valuable talent and experience to the budding start-ups of the tech sectors, which, in the past would be hard-pressed, as RIM attracted almost all the talented potential employees. Now, after the decline of a former giant in the smartphone industry and before the rising of a new massive company, there is a relatively even spread of talent, stemming from the fact that, in the coming of Blackberry’s demise, there are many smaller technology companies that will compete with each other for profits. It is in competition that companies grow, and as Blackberry leaves the stage, there will be many more ambitious businesses striving to make a brand for themselves, to become the next leading Canadian technology firm through innovation, creativity, and marketing.
The fall of Blackberry may serve as a warning and example of what companies should not do, but in RIM’s loss, many new companies will benefit, from the new labor market that will become a glut of talent after former Blackberry employees begin to look for jobs once more.