#employeerelations

Dear “leads”,
What the actual fu-k are you doing up there? If your goal is to make Mattel the least respected, most toxic, revolving door of all time - continue celebrating yourselves, you’ve done it.
Signed,
Someone struggling to care as little as you do.

Feedback on TheLayoff.com reflects consistent concerns about Robin Vince and the Executive Committee’s leadership approach, particularly around communication and transparency. Employees report that leadership discussions feel scripted and avoid addressing the practical impact of layoffs, cost‑cutting, and ongoing real estate closures and consolidations. Many feel there is little meaningful dialogue about how these decisions affect workloads, stability, and long‑term career prospects.

Restrictive return‑to‑office policies are another major point of frustration, especially when paired with reduced office space and limited flexibility. Associates also describe promotions and merit increases as stagnant, with internal mobility perceived as difficult or inaccessible.

Commenters frequently question the company’s use of tax credits tied to hiring state‑university graduates and upgrading U.S. facilities, suggesting these incentives do not appear to translate into broader investment in existing employees. Concerns also surface around the growing reliance on AI tools like Eliza, which some view as a substitute for genuine engagement.

Finally, many posts highlight unease about continued offshoring, increased use of H1B hiring, and patterns that employees interpret as age‑related bias.

Overall, commenters describe a widening disconnect between leadership messaging and the day‑to‑day realities employees face. Commenters have lost trust in senior leadership and are concerned that BNY is not a desirable employer.

So I have been wondering since this all started who they consulted to come up with this bright idea. You take an already understaffed and burnt out workforce, who is constantly being told to do more with less supports and people. Then you notify them on a dime that they’re offering VSP and all may face layoffs. They do know this is the perfect recipe to send thousands of employees out on long term stress leave. Leaving management responsible for billions in insurance payouts as you’re unable to separate that employee due to medical reasons and would face wrongful termination lawsuits from every direction. Like I don’t even understand…. Has no one even heard of risk management anymore or common sense. Like everything else here I am watching a top bloated organization unwilling to cut its own C-Suite pay or make real sacrifices, instead claiming AI is the answer. What about the jobs that AI can’t do or the ones that will be horribly mismanaged due to a machine replacing real eyes. The ghost in the machine here isn’t AI it is corporate greed just like everywhere else. I am so discouraged in the place I work, are no words.

How likely is it that they eliminate administrative staff? On the one hand, they wouldn't function well without us, on the other hand they constantly underestimate how much operational impact we have. I'm just getting tired of worrying about job stability every couple of years. Maybe it's time to take the exit. IDK...

Did any managers or Directors receive the VSP email?

PLs have been completely silent and nonexistent about the VSP.

Pete L talking about IA employees are the most valuable part.. mkay how many will be RIFfed soon?

This is being presented as an individual choice, even though that choice may ultimately be denied if you decide to apply. The eligibility criteria are intentionally broad, which helps protect the company from age or demographic discrimination claims.
On some teams, 40 to 50% of employees received VSP eligibility notices. If everyone applied, it's obvious not everyone would be approved. Critical roles have already been identified, and those employees will almost certainly be denied.
If it feels like your PL is in the dark, it's because they are. Top Leadership are limiting what PLs know to avoid conflicting messages or anything that could be interpreted as a promise of job security. The problem is they haven't equipped PLs with meaningful talking points or guidance. That's a major failure.
PLs are stuck in the middle, taking pressure from both top leadership and their teams while still being expected to maintain productivity. They've been stripped of the transparency they need to lead their teams honestly and ethically.
Meanwhile, the psychological toll on employees is being largely ignored. Treating an entire workforce like rows on a spreadsheet during a restructuring of this magnitude feels cold, impersonal, and dehumanizing.

A theory I have is this….if you want to go, you are more likely to NOT be chosen. If you are it sends the wrong message. “Look at that guy leave, he’s so happy. People will start to question as to why should they stay here like this guy.”

If you want or need to stay..the more desperate you are, you are more apt to be chosen. It sends a different message. “This could happen to you. Look how miserable he is to be let go, better buckle down and give give give more and more to the company. Really put in those hours, don’t be like Bob.”

Vistra Corp. plans to close three power plants in Illinois. These closures will affect 304 employees across the sites. The company cited economic, environmental, and regulatory factors. Layoffs will occur at Newton in October 2027, Kincaid in January 2028, and Baldwin in February 2028. Vistra will continue to inform employees and community stakeholders.

, Illinois

https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/state/2026/06/15/illinois-power-plants-to-be-shuttered-and-employees-to-lose-jobs/90554807007/

Fu-k this shiithole company and its shiithole leadership bunch of greedy, incompetent, a--holes!! Dell is the worst company in the industry for employees. Do the bare minimum, nothing more. They do not care about the employees at all!

I do not understand why this company would choose to send every department into a tailspin of nerves and anxiety for the next 2 months. Morale is completely gone and employees are paralyzed with fear. Who is actually working at this point? No one cares because we all know we may be next. Not to mention earning back the trust of employees after a stunt like this! Are YOU working or are you sitting in front of your computer shell shocked and unable to put one foot in front of the other? I feel that's like the spot most employees are in. Has anyone heard of any departments at this point that just might be ok? Are your people leaders saying anything?

ZeniMax Media is reportedly implementing staff reductions. Bethesda Softworks is among the affected divisions. 3D Realms co-founder George Broussard shared this news. He suggested the job cuts could be extensive. The company oversees many well-known development teams.

https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/20278-layoffs-at-zenimax-media-bethesda-have-reportedly-begun

Diageo is preparing for major staff reductions. The company's CEO ordered executives to cut headcount. This follows a sharp slump in global spirits consumption. "Non-revenue-generating" teams will reportedly be most affected. An internal announcement detailing job losses is expected next week.

https://www.inc.com/lucia-auerbach/the-company-behind-johnnie-walker-and-don-julio-bracing-for-major-layoffs/91362490

Is this return to office in September an attempt to get moreee people to quit? Anyone able to get out of this?? How???

Belk is the only department store to still be operating like it’s Covid 2020. Stores have not improved since the pandemic in terms of staffing levels and services for customers. We are stuck in Covid business model.

Bungie reportedly faces significant layoffs this summer. Around 50% of its 800 employees, or 400 staff, are at risk. Sony reported a $765 million impairment loss due to Bungie's underperformance. Destiny 2 support ended, and Marathon's recent efforts failed to improve its standing. Rumors of impending layoffs at the studio circulated last month.

https://www.psu.com/news/bungie-reportedly-set-to-lose-around-400-staff-members-as-a-result-of-summer-layoffs/

Precision Parcel Logistics (PCLG) laid off nearly 100 employees in mid-June. The company operated as an Amazon Delivery Service Partner in Paducah. PCLG owner Cody Bauhs announced the company's dissolution due to "personal reasons." Many employees learned of the closure through an email, causing shock and uncertainty. The West Kentucky Workforce Board is offering rapid response services to assist the affected workers.

Paducah, Kentucky

https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/nearly-100-employees-laid-off-from-local-delivery-company-former-employees-left-with-unanswered-questions/article_6085d27a-2ac6-42cf-b73c-a96f4cc15307.html

Are these guys tone deaf??? They just sent an email with USBank India and how this new guy they hired will make USBank India great again.

So those of us on Operations are all going to to lose 0ur job to USBank India and they send this email out about how great this new guy is shipping all jobs to India and Philippine

It’s a sad state of affairs at all levels unless you’re on the EC, then it’s all working out amazingly. In the past 60 days we’ve lost talent that dedicated multi decades of hard work to the firm. Strong minded, intelligent people that really contributed to shared goals every day. Up to the time when shared goals became a blur of corporate kool aid, McKinsey projects, revolving door of leadership. Never did I think it would come to this but I’m at the end of my pain tolerance. Very sad. Is Wealth growing or shrinking? Can margins grow out of the bottom gutter? Is Jose doing anything to make change besides firing,hiring, cashing checks, selling shares? So sad. The range of firings has been like a sn---r attack in a classroom. Best to dress like the plebes or be targeted. Last thought - does RV look unhealthy to any of you??

We have been told explicitly by our manger to expect that not everyone will get “meet expectations “, even if in reality you did meet the expectations.

I know these reviews are not as important as the year end, but what should we expect? Being put on a black list for the next layoffs?

Never thought I would think so negatively about Centene because my experience over the past 4 years has been awesome. I missed the VSP cutoff by 2 days due to my official FTE conversion date, but I don’t think I would have applied anyways.

Curious though, if laid off September 1st, what are typical (non-VSP) severance packages like at Centene?

Was a good run, I will miss all you good people I've come to know.

Like all of you, I have been anxiously evaluating my options. For ME personally, my VSP was pretty mid, but I'm early in my career... walking away from a good job and title with a little bit of cash isnt that bad. my big worry is that they boot me earlier than September 1... not a fan that the VSP numbers may "vary." We have no leverage in this bargain other than to stay to make it more difficult during restructuring. The risk of lay off is scary... a few departments have already restructured in the past two years, so its hard to imagine they will even accept my application... Not sure how to feel about the paranoia associated with applying and being added to some "list." If anything I think this is an attempt to shed as many high earners and potentially replace at lower salaries? Idk... I hope everyone is ok lol

Is it just me or are corporate and the shareholders launching a massive psychological warfare campaign against all of us? Think about it...They have put some odd 60k of us and our families on notice. On notice to find another job. On notice to cancel our summer family vacations. On notice to cancel any upcoming major purchases. On notice to cancel any summer moves out of the area while the kids are out of school. Etc...
Now we don't know how many of us will be laid off either voluntarily or involuntarily because they won't tell us that either. But, for the sake of argument, let's say that it will be 10k people total. That means that the other 50k people who will be left after the carnage on September 1st had all of their summer plans and purchases ruined for no reason at all. This is not to even mention the level of undue terrifying mental duress, financial problems, and family trouble this will cause for 50k people that had nothing to do with this layoff in the first place. And guess what? They aren't even going to tell us whether we are the ones that are "safe" or the ones on the chopping block until the first week of August.
I think we all need to start consulting with attorneys.

Last payday 7/1. Goodluck to everyone..

I just had my 6 month anniversary on Monday so obviously I am not eligible for the VSP. I am thinking there is a good chance I will be laid off by September 1st? Do you think that is how it will go?

Centene is a such a trash company, 11 years here and the offer I received was horrible. Sarah thinks this route is the best way to go, she is going to lose a lot of people. She needs to pony up and pay her share of destruction she made. Shame on her

My boss made every single day miserable. I'd take the income hit over dealing with his leadership any day.

I keep hearing about this bloodbath..any idea what/where/when ?

My SVP has said next week on Tuesday is expected to be the largest rif action

Can anybody confirm this?

Curious if anyone has been successful in getting a new position after retraining?

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this: I do not give a fu-k about my 9-to-5 job. I don’t care about your KPIs, the company’s goals, or the team’s goals. I don’t give a fu-k about my coworkers, and I don’t give a sh-t about my boss. I don’t care how some director or VP feels about themselves, the team, or the company. I couldn’t care less about any of that.

The only thing I care about is how much money you’re paying me and how much bullsh-t I have to deal with to earn it. I don’t want drama. I don’t want politics. I don’t want unnecessary headaches. I want to do my job, get paid, and go home.

Over the years, I’ve had bosses and executives come to me talking about KPIs, metrics, performance targets, and company objectives. They act like it’s the most important thing in the world. Meanwhile, in my head, I’m just thinking, “Yeah, sure. I don’t give a fu-k.”

If we hit our KPIs, what does that actually mean for me? Am I getting a significant raise? Am I getting a bonus? Is my life improving in any meaningful way? If not, then why should I care? I don’t give a sh-t about what it means for management or what it means for the company. I care about what it means for me.

Unfortunately, when we’re at work, most of us have to pretend we care about those things. We nod along, smile, and act engaged because that’s part of the game. But the reality is that for most people, work is a transaction. We exchange our time and effort for a paycheck.

I think for 95% of employees, that’s the truth. They’re not there because they’re deeply passionate about quarterly targets or corporate strategy. They’re there to make a living. Everything else is just background noise.

We're getting assigned seating

Of all the items that have been raised about how to make employees' lives easier, THIS is the one the MC has chosen to listen to

Not cleanliness or safety in the hubs.

Not RTO.

Not time tracking.

Not pay or benefits.

Seating.

Why? Because it will give the MC a convenient 'justification' for sending us back to the office full time. They do nothing for our benefit, only their own.

Great job. Hope you're all thrilled. Your butts can now avoid having to deal with that pesky reservation system! Our problems are solved at last!

I wonder who else will follow their lead

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/15/centene-to-offer-buyouts-to-some-employees.html

Centene offering buyout plans to its employees due to low Medicaid enrollment.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/centene-offers-most-staff-buyouts-after-obamacare-member-losses-bloomberg-news-2026-06-15/

I have a very fuzzy charter right now. I feel I was left behind to ensure nothing breaks, but with each day it seems my work is not likely to meet the never ending evaluation. All this to say, I don't really have a job right now. I'm in limbo.

Has there been any word on July round of layoffs or cuts? Did all 3000 employees get notified before? Or will some of them be notified before fiscal year end?

I’ve been here a year and a half no email yet…

My old company used PIPs when it wanted to get rid of people without paying them severance. It's always possible to find something, anything to justify it. The way things have been going here, I'm starting to worry the same thing will happen. Am I wrong?

Got the email giving offer to retire early to group of more senior people. Wanted to see if anyone else got it. Thoughts?

Any one know specifically what departments are being considered? I was laid off during the UnitedHealthcare layoffs back in September of 2024. Centene hired me after a long 7 month search and now I can’t believe im having to go through this again! i I thought centene was going to be my long term after such a devastating time and now this.