After laying off 15% of its headquarters staff in February, Southwest Airlines faces significant concerns about the future of its iconic corporate culture. Historically known for its fun and quirky personality, the airline's layoffs have raised fears among employees that it may adopt practices similar to other carriers. These changes followed increased pressure from an activist investor pushing for operational revamps. Notably, the airline is now ending its open-seating policy while reducing corporate events that fostered camaraderie among staff.
"The love is dead," one current Southwest headquarters employee told Business Insider. The person didn't want to give their name because they weren't authorized to speak to the press, but BI is aware of their identity.
Southwest has long billed itself as different from other carriers - but after the company's first-ever round of major layoffs, some employees say they worry it'll soon just become like every other airline.
The changes come after nearly a year of upheaval at Southwest, during which time an activist investor bought a large stake in the airline and agitated for an operational revamp to cut costs and increase profitability.
Already, Southwest has given in to one of the most visible things that made it unique: its open-seating policy. Starting in the first half of next year, customers will get seat assignments like on any other airline.
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