Does anyone know if managers are not allowed by HR to give employees that they RIF’d a reference or recommendation? We are being told by (now former) direct manager that HR told them not to talk to us about anything at all and to direct us to HR and the manager isn’t even allowed to give any kind of reference.
12 replies (most recent on top)
I received a letter of recommendation from departmental Staff VP when I left. It was offered to me, I did not request it. I was RIFd in Aug 2024. It su-ked but I left gracefully. All depends on the Mgr and you as person, too.
@OP I think this could be subjective as I know some managers have written a recommendation for their rifd associates.
HR also should be able to tell you if you are a “do not rehire”.
The question you should ask is whether HR will disclose whether you’re “eligible for rehire” after being put in the RIF pool and whether HR will disclose that status if a potential employer calls asking about you. It should be just employment dates, but if that tiny box is checked in the system…
the rule has ALWAYS been HR confirms dates of employment and eligible for rehire.
Your manager would never be contacted from an EXTERNAL potential employer UNLESS you gave them her name and contact information -then MAYBE and then it would be up to your past manager to give a reference or not - no one would know
Unless you totally trust your past manager there is no way I would give their name - find other people for a reference, co workers, past managers from other jobs that you remain in good standing with, MD's etc.
Internal - it is common for one manager to call the prior manager - they can get their real assessment of you across while using hesitation, enthusiasm, etc.
I think it depends on your manager. I’m still employed here but I’ve had managers that are straight by the book and follow HR rules to the T and won’t get involved and managers who low key help with references if needed. I think it’s simply a matter of who your management team is. But the process of only being able to get yes/no references and employment confirmation from HR and not mangers isn’t new to the RIF. That process started several companies and name changes ago
@a1 but they have and they do 😏
@b2 get with the game… managers can and do provide references 😂
I was rif’d in May, spoke with my manager since and he has offered to provide references and recommendations and has since done so. So I am sorry you are not receiving the same support.
@b2 Thank you Gail for your wisdom. You’re the real winner and we all thank you for it.
No, managers cannot provide references. All someone can do is call the HR number and HR will confirm your from and to employment dates and the position you held. Nothing further can be discussed. Corporations are too afraid of being sued to do any more than that. What you can do is find someone else you trust that will agree to be your reference. Preferable a person that was a manager in your same line of work no longer with the company that will speak on your behalf as your previous manager. Oh, and don't be shocked. This sort of stuff has been going on for decades. Get with the game if you want/need to win at it...!!!!
What the heck?! That’s just beyond horrible. What is wrong with this company??! Can they stop saying things like for “health of humanity”? Shocker, But we are part of humanity too!! And our lives matter too!
Current/active managers are not allowed to give references