There is the expectation that whoever is left after this next round of layoffs will pick up the slack of those who have been let go. You will be expected to not only pick up the slack but also take on additional roles, not only WITHOUT the pay or increase in salary but rather your new lower “re-leveled” salary. This will not be a temporary measure “until they hire replacements”. Nope, not that at all.
It will be very prolonged to see how hard they can crack the whip to see how readily and willing you are to bear the extra burden and how long it can be sustained. Deadlines will NOT be lessened but rather more aggressive and less forgiven on mistakes being made.
It’ll also be expected for you to work partial or full weekends more often, again for no extra money.
The reason for all of this is two fold.
First, its a means to see just how much can they do for much much less staff.
Second, its also a means to run people off without paying the severance.
As I see it, there are three options.
- ) step in line and get used to working much longer and much harder with no rewards.
- ) put in 8 hrs only and work just hard enough to keep from getting fired.
- ) do exactly what they want and leave for some other company making more money.
As you consider if all of this, keep an eye out for this year and next year if you are still around. See if Jane’s pay increases any. When I say pay, that means salary, bonus and stock awards.