Thread regarding Optum layoffs

Who actually makes the decision on who gets laid off individually within a team?

As someone who was recently laid off, any feedback from those with insight on who makes the decision within a team on show specifically to get laid off? I had a good working relationship with my direct manager and I know he didn't want to let me go. Is it leadership at Sr director level or higher?

by
| 3201 views | | 12 replies (last July 16) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1k076gf0f

12 replies (most recent on top)

@c7 can confirm this. I was part of a RIF 2 years ago and my director put her name on the list to save our team. They ended up eliminating her position and dissolving our team altogether (6 of us total). No one else was affected.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @ew+1k076gf0f

It’s truly a black box. You will never see be told about the process just like you will never hear management confirm a big restructuring or RIF. I’m in TA and wait to be tapped by someone with a cardboard box telling me it’s time to pack and go. We are just a microcosm of the economy as a whole. My husband works for a very large company and was recently told that they are doing the same thing we do— report and restructure.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @e9+1k076gf0f

Agree with all thats been said. Sometimes they come to managers and ask for names and sometimes the managers are told who they have to let go.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @dz+1k076gf0f

Director and up

Sadly these people run off such assumptions of who people are it’s dysfunctional. Optum also tends to Kay off more expensive talent under the idea they can get the same for Jess

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @dj+1k076gf0f

Most Directors and Associate directors will be asked to consult on a layoff list if it's is a possibility in future as part of cost cutting goals that are being asked. Least impact to each team is preferable.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @c7+1k076gf0f

Completely depends. My senior leaders let the managers decide but said it had to be someone who got a 2.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @b7+1k076gf0f

It's senior leaders above managers and associate directors. I was a manager until retiring in June. I was never consulted just told usually the week of who I had to meet with to deliver a layoff. It is truly not an experience I enjoyed.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @ay+1k076gf0f

@an lies.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @ap+1k076gf0f

90+% of the time it's the decision of someone in Finance you've never heard of.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @an+1k076gf0f

I have seen some very good people get let go while some real turds were not. Hard to explain.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @a8+1k076gf0f

It is usually higher up, although there are some leaders that will consult with direct mgrs to a degree. Really depends on your area

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @a1+1k076gf0f

Post a reply

: