Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

Strategy and Trust - Advice for new hires

The real issue isn’t just layoffs, it’s trust.

When cuts happen and communication feels vague, people lose confidence fast. Add tighter return-to-office rules on top of that, and it can feel like control is going up while security is going down.

WFH flexibility isn’t just a perk. It’s a signal. It says: “We trust you to deliver.” Being super prescriptive with attendance dashboards and badge monitoring sends the opposite message.

If leadership wants to retain the best talent, they must listen actively to the needs of the incoming generations who are screaming to balance their life needs better then previous generations. It comes down to a few basics:

  • Be clear about what’s happening and why
  • Be consistent between words and actions
  • Trust people to do their jobs
  • Push the flexibility policy more and stand behind it

Layoffs test culture. Culture eats all strategy (even the best ones designed by DW). Flexibility and transparency are how this company will succeed or fail. It’s too late for me because I made my decision so I leave this for the new hires coming in to witness.

Your move, DW


by
| 732 views | | 4 replies (last February 26) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1kjacepvd

4 replies (most recent on top)

@OP+1kjacepvd

Advice for new hires especially before you accept the job offer

(1) Is the paint flaking off of the Administration Building? If so, the refinery or chemical plant is not making money.

(2) Are the cracks in the sidewalks being repaired?

(3) Is the offices and cubicles 1980's furniture or 2020+ furniture?

(4) Is the carpet 1980's carpet or 2020+ carpet? Has the carpet been cleaned in the last 12 months?

(5) Is your corporate laptop and cell phone two or three generations behind what is available in 2026?

(6) Is your MS Office Suite two or three generations behind the Office 365 software available in 2026?

(7) Are you still on Windows 8 or 10 instead of the more modern Windows 11 Operating System?

(8) Is your personal laptop faster than your corporate laptop?

(9) Is there free coffee in your building or do you have to pay for your own coffee?

(10) Are flowers, shrubs, grass, and dead trees being planted or replaced yearly at your location?

(11) Does your office building still have asbestos insulation and lead paint?

(12) Is the parking lot resurfaced every 3 to 5 years or the facility manager waits until a sinkhole occurs?

(13) Are the restroom facilities painted, faucets converted to IR faucets, and toliet paper and soap readily available?

If any of these thirteen items are not being done at your place of work then your facility will be sold or shutdown in the next five years. This is the XOM model. Do not spend money on facilities that are being sold in the next five years.

If you are interviewing on-site, then look for these thirteen items. If you see one or more of these items, then think about whether you want to work at that location.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @fc+1kjacepvd

@cn Wow, so true. These big wigs are just going to take the money and ride off into the sunset… employees are poor su-kers picking up the scraps.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @cq+1kjacepvd

Everything shared is spot on and prescriptive but, XOM is existing under a false fallacy and deep confirmation bias. XOM has had world class results and the market has rewarded and praised its performance. Its peer competitors are emulating XOM culture and execution discipline. But, in the process of attaining and acquiring this position it has neglected culture and personnel systems.
Guyana is starting to decline precipitously particularly Liza phase 1 and soon phase 2. Also, onshore Eagleford shale is cratering and the Permian Golden Cow still robust but OPEX is increasing 26% every year. 2026 will be a watershed year for XOM. Caring about the new generation is a waste of time especially if you know what their perception of you and your generation is

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @cn+1kjacepvd

The problem isn’t WFH bro. Give it a rest.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @b5+1kjacepvd

Post a reply

: