I continue to be disappointed by large companies who complain "it's so hard to find good workers", "we can't seem to retain good talent", and "no one wants to work anymore", but continue to have regular rounds of layoffs where they let hardworking, knowledgeable, and loyal workers go. Those who remain can't help but wonder "am I next?", "how many people's jobs will I have to do now?", or "maybe it's time to start looking for another opportunity".
Organizations focused on creating shareholder value, who are always concerned with what Wall Street expects instead of what's working for their business have created the vary culture business leaders complain about. When you treat your team members like numbers on a spreadsheet or chess pieces on a board, they will start treating your organization as an entry on their resume and a paycheck.
Organizations want more for less and are willing to sacrifice great talent and skill for temporary bumps in their stock value and destroy the vary fabric of the businesses they gobble up and tear apart. They do this until there's nothing left but a shadow of what they once were and run it into the ground.
Your team members are human beings with lives and families. They sacrifice so much of their time and their lives to do the work your business demands of them. They miss time with their families to meet your deadlines. They deliver on massive projects that win you business and you walk them out the door. Thank you for your service. Excellent work! Here's a "thank you" video. Now, get out!
For all who remain, you're left with the knowledge that it doesn't matter if you're a super star in your role. It doesn't matter if you're an inspirational leader that team members would bend over backwards to deliver for. It doesn't matter if you've dedicated years in service of the corporate objectives. At the end of the day, you're a box on an ort chart that can be crossed off at any time by someone who isn't aware of your achievements, your commitment, or your value to the organization. Time and time again, they will remind you that you are disposable.
Companies will chew you up and sp-t you out. They will tell you your lucky to have a job. They will tell you "if you don't like it here, you can leave". And you can move on to the next company for a few good years before that company does the same thing.