Just had a chat with a teammate who got let go (~10yr vet). He said our sales director was apparently cold and robotic in exit meeting. Could literally care less and just wanted to read his script and move on. No “thank you for all you’ve done for CDW”, no “good luck on your next endeavor”, no “I’m so sorry this happened.” 10 yr tenure (20-25-30 years for some I’ve heard that got hit) and leadership can’t even say a simple thank you. On top of that, I’ve heard that sales managers aren’t even allowed to reach out to their account managers who were let go. Is this true? What a sad fu--ing company this has become over the years. The human element/respect/dignity/joy at this place is gone. CDW has failed its loyal coworkers and I’m hopping off this sinking ship ASAP. 👋
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The 'just business' leader I reported to made me have a nervous breakdown. Never understand how toxic people leaders are kept around.
Yes it was a cold and straight to the point call when getting laid off. HR person ran the call but doesn't say all too much, straight to the point that I was getting laid off and that was my last day - they confirm your Personal Email address and refer you to the Exit Package email that will be forthcoming to your inbox - and that CDW has teamed up with Challenger/Gray to help with your job search who will be reaching out to me. You'll need to sign the docs and return your laptop (& badge) ASAP so they can process your severance $$$ payout.
I know of numerous people who were at CDW for 10+ years - a few 20+ years that were laid off between 2023 and this year.
I knew it was going to be a layoff call - you could feel it after the early morning CEO/Leahy email about the tough business decision, blah blah and getting an HR meeting pop up on your calendar that day. A few of my colleagues also got the HR meeting.
Luckily while the official layoff conversation was occurring....I managed to type up a short FAREWELL note to my teammates as well as close coworkers I've worked with, my Teams group chat were ready to go and sent it in the nick of time. I had only about 3 minutes or so after my HR call ended before I lost access to the CDW system.
It was good hearing from CDW colleagues who were also laid off at the same time as well as others who remain - offering their condolences and support via LinkedIn messaging. It was therapeutic reaching out and speaking out with former colleagues who were also laid off - wow many were angry, digging out and throwing out all their CDW swag, boxing up their CDW laptop asap - couldn't wait to get rid of all things CDW they had.
Keep your RESUME handy and updated for when you get tossed over the ship .... in fact I'm hearing many have had enough and are looking to jump ship in 2025 after their stock option vests. On the outer surface, CDW puts on a happy face - but deep on the inside, morale has take a real hit after this 3rd of layoffs since 2023 plus witnessing/experiencing huge leadership failures.
Again, Sona Chawla has been Making Amazing Happen for herself - sold $4M of CDW stock this summer.
They are coached to stick to the script. Keep it short, simple and hand it to HR.
Trying to avoid anything that would go deeper and cause a lawsuit.
Many leaders hate it… others see it as “just business.”
Exactly same thing for my call. Couldn’t even answer simple questions either. Rotten leadership
An absolute disgrace.