EV giant Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) said on Thursday that it received 5.9 million job applications in 2023, marking a near 64% jump from a year ago, despite reports of poor working conditions.

What Happened: In 2022, Tesla received only 3.6 million applications. The jump in applications last year reinforces the company as a much-aspired employer.

In April, Tesla announced a 10% reduction in global workforce, expected to impact at least 14,000 workers. The company has been known for tough working conditions with a few former employees of the company mentioning sleeping on the factory floor, working 10-12 hours a day and six to seven days a week. There have also been reports of racial and gender discrimination at the company.

Why It Matters: However, former Tesla AI manager Paril Jain denied claims earlier this month that the company CEO Elon Musk has lost the capacity to retain talent.

"Had a great productive chat with Elon Musk before leaving, would've stuck around longer if I didn't have the itch to chase a specific vision. Don't see any capacity eroding on his front...," Jain wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. He was responding to a media report that said the long list of executive departures from Tesla hints at the company losing its ability to attract and retain talent.

Several executives have departed the company amidst Musk's efforts to streamline Tesla's workforce including Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure Rebecca Tinucci, Director of New Product Introduction Daniel Ho, Senior Vice President of Powertrain and Energy Engineering Drew Baglino, And Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development Rohan Patel.

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