Noom Slashes Nearly 500 Wellness Coaches Amid Weight Loss App Struggles

Weight loss app Noom is set to lay off a total of 495 wellness coaches in the coming days, as reported by Insider. This significant reduction comes as the company reviews its current staffing needs. The move affects nearly a quarter of Noom’s 2,000 wellness coach staff.

An unnamed wellness coach revealed that 180 coaches were already let go during small-group video calls. The remaining 315 layoffs are expected to take place by next week. Those affected are being offered eight weeks of voluntary severance pay, though unpaid vacation time is excluded.

Noom plans to shift from text-based coaching to video-based sessions. This transition aims to enhance the quality of coaching but may result in increased workloads for the remaining coaches. The company believes that video interactions will provide a more personalized experience for users.

In a statement, Noom expressed regret over the layoffs, emphasizing their appreciation for the contributions of the departing coaches. They also assured that one-on-one coaching will continue to be available for users despite the workforce reductions.

Noom has been recognized as a top tech workplace on platforms like Glassdoor and Fortune. However, the recent layoffs represent a loss of nearly one-fifth of its U.S. workforce. Before the cuts, the wellness coach staff made up over 80% of Noom’s U.S. employees, highlighting the significance of this reduction.

Noom’s decision to lay off nearly 500 wellness coaches marks a major shift in the company’s operations. While aiming to streamline their coaching methods, the impact on their workforce and user experience remains to be seen. As Noom navigates this transition, the company’s future in the weight loss app market will be closely watched.