In a move to improve cost efficiency and increase productivity, Tesla is reportedly laying off more than 10% of its workforce globally, according to the Austin Business Journal. The news comes in the wake of disappointing quarterly sales for the company, prompting CEO Elon Musk to detail the plans in a memo sent to employees.

The memo, as reported by The New York Times and CNBC, stated that as Tesla prepares for its next phase of growth, it is crucial to examine all aspects of the company for cost reductions. The layoffs are seen as a strategic move to streamline operations and overcome the slump in electric vehicle sales.

While Tesla has not provided any additional comments regarding the layoffs, one employee who was let go spoke out about their experience. Requesting anonymity, the employee described their shock at receiving an email notification on Monday morning, titled "Tesla Employment Update," which informed them of their immediate termination.

"It's just crazy. It's heartbreaking. It's just a lot to take in within such little time," the employee expressed, clearly caught off guard by the sudden job loss.

The repercussions of the layoffs extend beyond the professional realm, with some employees facing significant personal setbacks. One single parent shared their distress, stating that they were in the midst of moving into a new apartment and now find themselves in a difficult situation.

"I will no longer be able to get that because I don't have a verification of employment. So now as a single mother, I'm supposed to be out of my apartment on [April] 18th. I'm basically left with nowhere to go," the former Tesla employee lamented.

Others who were affected by the layoffs expressed their anxiety about finding new employment. Many immediately began searching for jobs in alternative automotive industries, their primary work-related apps blocked and their company emails inaccessible.

Shares of Tesla took a hit, falling nearly 3% on Monday following the news of the layoffs and departures. This adds to the company's existing challenges, with Tesla Inc. shares already losing around one-third of their value this year due to declining electric vehicle sales.

As the dust settles on these layoffs, the future of Tesla remains uncertain. The company's decision to reduce its global workforce points to the necessity of cost-cutting measures and the drive to revive lagging sales. With employees searching for new opportunities and shareholders monitoring the stock's performance, the potential impact of these layoffs on Tesla's overall trajectory remains to be seen.

KXAN's Sarah Al-Shaikh will provide further updates on this evolving story, airing on KXAN News at 6 p.m.