In April 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Munich-based fitness equipment manufacturer eGym laid off a significant portion of its workforce. The layoffs, executed via video calls, were criticized by an anonymous employee as "inhuman," alleging the company used the crisis as a pretext for mass terminations despite ongoing revenue. eGym justified the drastic action as a necessary response to the unprecedented economic impact of the pandemic, stating it aimed to secure remaining jobs and focus on customer service and operational excellence. The layoffs affected employees with families and health concerns, sparking controversy during a period when many Bavarian companies were opting for short-time work instead.
