The corporate landscape is changing. Fast.
In what industry experts are calling “The Great Flattening,” major companies like Walmart, Meta, and Nike are eliminating layers of middle management in favor of leaner, more agile organizational structures. In April 2025 alone, over 2,000 corporate roles were cut at Walmart, with the company citing the need for “efficiency and streamlined decision making.”
“We are reshaping some teams to remove layers and complexity, speed up decision making, and help associates innovate rapidly,” said John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S. That sentiment is echoed across industries where adaptability is becoming a competitive advantage.
For job seekers and employers alike, this trend has created both uncertainty and opportunity. And that’s where private hiring events can offer a strategic advantage.
The New Shape of the Workforce
When companies flatten their structure, they often eliminate roles like project managers, assistant VPs, and regional liaisons. These were positions that traditionally served as communication bridges between executive leadership and operational teams.
What remains are two key needs:
• Skilled frontline workers who can execute with autonomy
• Experienced leaders who can span multiple disciplines and make decisions quickly
For businesses trying to redefine these roles, it’s not just about hiring more. It’s about hiring differently.
Why Private Hiring Events Work in a Flattened Structure
Unlike large job fairs or passive online recruiting, private hiring events provide:
• Controlled environments where HR teams can meet with candidates one on one
• Tailored interview structures to identify cross functional leaders and independent contributors
• Faster hiring cycles for urgent roles caused by restructuring
“As a leader during transformation, you have to be out in front. Show that you want to learn, be curious, introduce new ideas, ask questions,” said Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart. That mindset applies not just to executives, but to the people they bring onto their team.
At Catalyst Career Group, we help businesses organize on site or virtual events that focus specifically on their redefined hiring priorities. These events allow leadership teams to assess not just skills but flexibility, attitude, and initiative.
Rebuilding the Workforce with Intention
When middle layers are removed, clarity becomes critical. Every hire needs to:
• Understand the company’s mission
• Navigate less formal hierarchy
• Operate with confidence across departments
Hosting a targeted hiring event gives you the chance to define those expectations up front. Whether you’re hiring 5 people or 50, the goal is the same. Build a team that thrives in your new structure.
“We’re changing. We’re adapting. We continue to transform,” McMillon emphasized. It’s this type of continuous evolution that private hiring events are designed to support.
Real World Trends to Watch
According to a recent report from Business Insider, flattened organizations are expected to outperform in speed and adaptability, but only if talent is aligned. Companies that don’t invest in restructured hiring strategies may experience costly delays, confusion, and burnout.
Meta’s 2023 layoffs and Nike’s 2024 leadership shakeup showed that failing to redefine hiring in the midst of flattening can lead to internal churn and cultural breakdown.
“Sentiment affects what we do,” Furner noted. “Even if sentiment changes, there are still people that are feeling very good, and there are people that are not. So we try to really focus on what we can control.” And smart hiring is one thing you can control.
Let’s Talk About Redefining Your Hiring Strategy
At Catalyst Career Group, we help companies evolve their workforce with hiring events that are:
• Strategic
• Private
• Built around your real world goals
“When an organization restructures, it’s a prime moment to reshape not just who you hire but how you hire,” says Jeff Straub, Co Founder of Catalyst Career Group. “Our events allow companies to be deliberate, not reactive.”
“Private hiring events are one of the most efficient ways to get your leadership and HR teams aligned on who you need next,” adds Jeff Naugle, also Co Founder. “It’s about quality, not just quantity.”
If your team is facing structural changes or just preparing for them, reach out to us. We’ll help you get the right people in the right roles, faster.
Contact us to learn more about hosting a private hiring event at your business.
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-cutting-roles-remove-layers-complexity-2025-5
https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-ceo-doug-mcmillon-leadership-lessons-shareholder-letter-2019-4
https://www.supplychaintoday.com/walmart-ceo-doug-mcmillon-quotes/