I'd estimate over the last 5 years I check this site at least daily, and at times like this easily 5 times a day.
I also talk endlessly with my colleagues about whether we'll be sacked or not, when we'll be sacked, who should be sacked, what might happen to our team etc etc. The tension is really getting to me at the moment though. I'm hoping for some relief sooner rather than later. When the layoffs start its good because it makes all the speculation worthwhile, and also its a bit like a green light to do absolutely nothing but gossip openly for about 3 months.
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managers are being required to validate employee locations outside workday.
I have a very strong suspicion that "you must return to the office October 3rd" is really "you must be in the office that week so we can send our Report to Conference Room emails" to lay you off. My manager told me to ignore the first RTO email; we weren't doing it. That changed yesterday and we were told we must be in the office the first week of October and then we will re-evaluate afterwards. If that ain't code for if you ate still here after that week, I don't know what is.
It's odd. I've been part of mergers and takeovers before, but this is a different animal. It's what happens when the owner is an equity firm. No visionaries here. Just adding up all the pieces that contribute to the Vista bottom line, and whatever they can do to maximize it is their reason for living. They could not care one bit about lives affected. That does not enter their minds for a second. If they can cheat or trick you into not getting your severance... well, they consider that to be smart business.
Lately every day. In the past only when we’re in the layoff cycle, and in the past it’s been, mainly, sketchy info and troll posting. It’s different now because we know what’s actually about to happen. I work in a dept that will see plenty of bloodshed, and here’s what my boss has shared that’s relevant to all of us:
- Cuts will most likely start mid October.
They need to close the sale prior to being able to perform layoffs, and at the scale they will cut they’re going to need some time after closing to get everything ready. RTO is a step in that direction as it brings people back regularly so they can affect the layoffs over a few weeks. It also makes computer return and those logistics easier and quicker. All this said, don’t be shocked if they start on 10/3. The feeling conveyed is that they’re all about wrapping this up ASAP.
- Return to the office or you will risk getting fired and losing your severance.
This is another indicator that a mid Oct first phase is more likely than 10/3. My boss really emphasized this and I could tell they wanted me to guarantee my severance payment. “Just come in. Don’t die on that sword— it’s just not worth it.”
- Casualty count will be massive.
My boss kind of struck a deal with me, in a “hint-hint” “wink-wink” way that they wouldn’t ask me to do anything more than what’s required and suggested that I get started looking for another job. I have no doubt, personally, that I will be laid off in the first phase. The suggestion, and even some specifics shared that I cannot reveal on a public message board, is that entire depts are getting whacked, and that “all bets are off” regarding any sense of safety. This will also extend into the BUs as well. Non mission critical people — think sales, mktg, and HR — will get crushed immediately with positions in IT falling into later rounds or transition packages.
That’s everything I know. I feel it’s probably about as much as anyone does know outside of Tom’s inner circle. That said — if anyone knows something more, then you should be sharing it here. Have some empathy for people about to be impacted by this. Citrix, or ComboCo, or whatever BU you’re working for does not care about you, your co-worker, or how this will affect either of you. They have a mission, and cutting your throat is, most likely, on the critical path.