It seems the theme in many large corporation layoffs. Older, more experienced employees are targeted so cheaper new hires can take their place. This saves money in the short run, but it quite possibly can be the companies ultimate downfall as in Boeing's case. Could the AirMax disaster have been avoided if there hadn't been the massive layoffs in 2002? Experienced employees know how to watch for the little details that can avert disaster (and lawsuits) . The newer employees are enthusiastic, but too often willing to spend too much effort to keep up with the more obvious metrics, and not enough attention to the little things that matter.
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It's really, really clear Kroger has been and continues to target experienced employees. In many states this could be actionable under anti-age discrimination statutes, but what my pharmacist partner observed is that the DM was smart enough to never commit any harassment via written materials, instead doing so over voice calls and in person.
Instead, the technique is to demand adherence to "performance metrics" that cannot possibly be achieved with the labor hours allotted, then harass, belittle and transfer the targeted individuals. This has the side benefit (for Kroger) of enabling the worst sort of DM's who love behind-kissing toadies. The ideal Kroger corporate executive at this point is a narcissistic sadist.
Long term, of course, this is recipe for corporate disaster. The customers have caught on, which is clear to us because they are fleeing Kroger and telling my partner at their new employer how awful Kroger has become. The amount of ill will Kroger has engendered with employees and customers is going to hurt them in the long run. If I were starving to death and my options were a Kroger next door or a Safeway 20 miles away, I would buy a candy bar at Kroger and walk 20 miles.
@12PeK6xQ-5wea We believe this was part of the reason they went after my spouse who was a SM - DM started this process they claimed was to "help" - which was like a PIP... We knew different so my spouse resigned. They were telling my spouse perfection was required - They set the standard of a fully staffed store which is not possible - but as far as we know they didn't go after other SM this way who had worse issues in their stores or the same kind of issues. Did you threaten to sue or know any good lawyers?
I’m shocked at how obvious the age discrimination is in how tenured managers are being let go! Systematic write ups until they have enough to fire you!
Don’t let that happen!! It’s not that hard to prove age discrimination, you need to show a pattern! Likely the case won’t go to court but it’s a lot more than the severance they offer, ask me, I know first hand 😜.
Not to mention management of small town Kroger’s raised and born in these towns have some effect on where family and friends shop, especially once fired. Profits will definitely decrease permanently.
Truth. Short term gain, long term pain. It's very risky - but then again if your at the top making million's who cares? You don't need money - you have enough to live on until your die and in the short term maybe you can make even more for yourself while the company dies a slow death.