I don't have any inside information about layoffs, or comforting words for my friends who have been let go. I am saddened each day I go to work and see the empty desks and hear about more friends who have been let go. I also know our senior leaders have to make hard decisions and I'm sure they don't take it lightly when these decisions have to be made.
What I do know is that people, no matter their age, race, or gender will not be productive if there is constant threat of losing their job. And when we have to come to sites like this to get any news about what's happening in our own company, even though we preach that we are "transparent". Instead we act like the wizard of oz, "pay no attention to what's behind the curtain" but we see it. I had a leader tell me that we need to keep our heads down, do our work, and stop gossiping and talking rumors, my thought, I wouldn't have to gossip and listen to rumors if we truly were transparent. We all want the company to be as efficient as possible, and understand the logic behind slimming the workforce... BUT when we hear senior leadership say one thing, but actions are completely opposite it worries us! (And makes me a bit mad as well) We worry, because what it shows is weak senior leadership, and senior leaders only caring about their own agendas and not what is best for the overall company. We pride ourselves on be agile, but this agility is a killing our associates and fuels waste, wasted time, wasted money, and wasted resources. This has so many downstream effects, not to mention frustration with the people who poured their sweat, blood, and tears into the work to never see if finished only because the leader doesn't truely understand what it was and only cares about making their "mark" on something. And in most cases, what they want to do has been started at some point before!
Our senior leaders have to start giving clear, simple, consistent direction that aligns to what the goals and direction that is coming from our leader ship teams.
We have tons of talented associates that can simplify and conquer anything! Senior leaders, point us in the right direction and we can get there, Be strong, be consistent, and let's think about the customer in every decision you make!