My dept lost 20% of team during cuts.
For everyone left, they took our time.
Overtime is assumed. Vacation is “available” as long as no one else is off — so it isn’t. Flexibility vanished. Trust went with it.
Now it’s all about how many extra hours you can cram in a week. Coverage charts. Being watched instead of being valued. Results don’t matter nearly as much as looking busy.
We’re not managed. We’re monitored.
High performers didn’t suddenly need babysitting. But treat people like clock-punching liabilities long enough and don’t act shocked when they stop caring — or stop showing up.
Headcount was the first cut.
Time is the second.
Talent is next.