I've been in "corporate america" long enough to understand that the decision to surplus you often goes beyond just performance or willingness to improve, it often hinges on the fact if your supervisor or leadership chain like you. If they don't like you or you're always seeming to cause a problem, you're likely one of the first to be selected.
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If you’re breathing, you’re on the list here.
Mad Men explained it well—someone in the room needs to speak up for you.
they don’t like you, good one
@br agree - been through a few and it’s all about headcount and not salary.
You have been voted off the island.
“ Has nothing to do with being likeable or not. In this day and age, most layoffs are conducted by outside consultant firms and are based very much on how much money can be saved by eliminating your position.“
Your couldn’t be more incorrect, at least for how it works HERE.
I’ve been in the middle of many of them over the last 10 years. The org is given a percentage they have to reduce their headcount by. That translates to a number for each Director. The Director and the AD work together on “who” will make up that number. Salary isn’t even discussed, as there is no guidance or instruction to consider it in any regard.
It is simply about headcount.
So given that, of course the PITAs and low performers are ALWAYS top of list.
Thing is, most of those people are already gone.
Has nothing to do with being likeable or not. In this day and age, most layoffs are conducted by outside consultant firms and are based very much on how much money can be saved by eliminating your position. There is absolutely no thought given to how much institutional knowledge will be lost or how the work will be eliminated and/or absorbed.
Filing this is the “duh” folder.
The way to “always” be at the top of the surplus list is to be unlikeable and/ or a pain in your AD / Director’s azz. Those 2 things often coincide.
In that case it does not matter how smart or good you are at your job.
Because you’re a PITA that they now have a chance to be rid of. They will take it every time. As most would in their position.
I agree. All the top performers have been laid off. Just ask them.
You are a number on a spreadsheet. The higher your number the less time you have….meaning if you are maxed out in your pay rate the more attractive you are to them to get rid of and let those with less pay absorb your responsibilities. They also purged the management pension and retirement insurance years ago. All simply just about where they can save a dollar. Knowledge, loyalty and dedication is not valued at AT&T.
If nobody wants to be around you why would anyone fight to keep you. Being likable and delivering on expectations are both important and are not independent.
Is this a surprise to anyone?
more layoffs definitely imminent for management - orgs need to reduce and they are silently asking who wants to go and allowing managers to get 6 months to avoid more disgruntled employees. Many orgs have unofficial “volunteers” already lined up. Some will still be caught by surprise but many are just waiting on their notice and leaving somewhat ok with 6 months severance.