I used to think I just wasn’t picking up on the plan, like maybe I missed a memo or something. But after a few years here, I’m pretty sure there isn’t one. We lurch from one priority to the next with no real thread connecting anything. I’ve stopped asking why and just focus on getting through the week. It’s not inspiring, but it pays the bills.
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I think they have a plan. I am not clear it is a good one.
I have thought hard about it and researched and spoke with friends who are now union members. Their gains and job security increased, even in difficult times. There is verbiage in the contract to protect against layoffs and other challenges. I am now a supporter and invite all of you to do some homework on unions and help drive their entry into CDW. Its time that we too shift to a new direction to protect ourselves from the shift in the leadership strategy. We can also vote out the union if we don't like it but all of the people I checked with in different companies enjoyed their increase in salaries and job security.
@OP Why would you do that? Hide like sheep and allow yourself to be unprepared if it happens to you. Would you give your loved ones and friends that same advise. Show your family and kids that they have a man that is not fearful to stand against unfairness and unionize to protect them. It works. That is why there are so many union members out there. That or rather than sit quietly, start looking now for a company that values their coworkers and do something even braver like a lawsuit to show that their actions will NOT be tolerated.
Get an attorney if you are laid off (especially if you are a minority or over 40 or 50. The others, the plan is start looking and prepare to take all of your information. They will wipe out your laptop files and company phone contacts and information electronically as you are being laid off and you will lose everything. The plan is to prepare and take your customer information and anything else that matters. Document who has been laid off and who has stayed in your department. Document when people did bad things and they were allowed to stay or where you saw violations. Then find a job and get out. Non competes aren't worth anything in court. Build your relationships with your customers and tell them what is happening if you trust them so they will remember you if and when you get laid off. If you work at a distribution center, UNIONIZE and put in your contract that they cannot automate and add words to protect from layoffs. Many other company's unions have stopped that and the teamsters do a great job at protecting their union members.
Just like many tech companies. Managers manage spreadsheets, not people— no leaders.
Just sad
Outsourcing is the biggest problem here, and it is less discussed, even more so than AI.
The plan is to eliminate all the jobs and replace with automation AI and robots.
The answer is that there is no plan here and there hasn’t been one since Leahy took over
@bx Very well said and spot on. Former sales here as well who proactively left last year after 20+ years. No regrets whatsoever, especially after seeing what a sh-t show this once great company has become. Really sad to see and I’m worried about some good friends / high performers still over there eventually getting laid off as a result of disastrous leadership and management.
I have an immeasurable amount of grievances with this company but I’ll keep most to myself. Former sales.
The company that wants to be seen as a serious “Systems Integrator” but can’t integrate a system internally is doing the business equivalent of Ryan Pace bringing in 10 tight ends to training camp because we didn’t have a serviceable starter. Acquire anything that might work and then deal with the consequences later. You all are those consequences. I saw the writing on the wall over a year ago and got out of dodge. They mortgaged their future with acquisitions and the people, one of the few redeeming qualities of this place, are who pay the price.
Only ever truly disliked one of my managers. Liked my directors and VP. Loved my peers. Sh-t rolls down hill and we’re all at the bottom. No amount of rah rah mandatory sales rally calls will fix that.
Don't be an ostrich and stick your heads in the sand. Your spouse and kids deserve a strong person that sees around corners and prepares to protect their loved ones by moving to a better and safer situation. Don't live in a fairy tale and hope or fall to the easiest and most comfortable option. Your spouse and kids need a strong person that is putting them first and choosing the toughest yet correct road. Start looking and jump when you find a safe and or better option. Don't you and your loved ones deserve that?
@OP This fourth round of layoffs in two years was the final straw for many of us. The discussions are now shifting to unions, letters of no confidence addressed to the Board and press, and employees calling out the incompetencies of MANY of CDW's Executive Team and Directors.