Why do the layoffs start low and move up instead of the other way around. RVP'S and SVP's protect their jobs by protecting those reporting to them. DM's have been slow to go because RVP's are highly invested in keeping them as a buffer to protect themselves. It's the same with SVP's. Instead they fire high performing higher paid GM's because it is easier and much SAFER from the job survival perspective. NONE of these decisions have anything to do with what is best for the company. Only strong leadership from the top would change this and ... well ... you get the idea....
6 replies (most recent on top)
That pretty much sums it up - get rid of the longer term, higher paid managers and replace them with idiots from other companies. The DMs are next in line to be culled, even if they think they are "protected". Last month's DM cuts should have been a clue that they are vulnerable. Same for LP...
I have seen several new to the company GMs that are totally clueless, and leave running the store to their Ops Sups. Store conditions are worse than what supposedly led to the previous GM being written up and fired for. Because they are "new" and lower paid, the conditions are tolerated, and when the DM or RVP complains, the Ops Sup is thrown under the bus.
Basically, the fate of Staples retail is already sealed. They are simply allowing it to descend in a controlled glide as they loot the company as much as possible and toss people out in midair to reduce weight.
This company is not going to turn around. There are not different types of stores performing in different ways. This is one failing company with no hope for a turn around. The big bosses know that. They are not trying to save it, they're just looting what's left.
And BTW the GM's were already replaced with part timers. Who do you think has taken the new GM positions? They are all part timers from other failed companies. And yes, the bosses know that and that's why they hired them. They're cheap and they're are helping drive it all to the end.
These are not stupid decisions from stupid people. This IS the business plan!
Should have regional swat teams to go in and help struggling stores. Could afford this by eliminating DM's most RVP's and human resource regional rep they are useless. These swat teams could go around to stores that need to hit the reset button and perform better
This is Staples #2 issue, behind losing sales to Amazon, etc. They are top heavy - to many bosses - all paid to much. Stores are barely getting by with the payroll provided. When someone calls out or no-shows (because store morale is just awesome) it cripples the store that day.
The "do more with less" attitude has to stop at some point or sales will continue to drop. Cut the deadweight at the top.
While I can see Staples eventually going this way, I don't think things are that drastic yet.
It would make more sense to get rid of SVPs and RVPs first. Can easily get rid of 1/2 these clowns and no one would miss a beat. probably 1/3-1/2 the DMs too.