The Mothership is at it again. A significant number of people are going to be forced to seek gainful employment elsewhere. It was this same time last year when we went through this. It's looking to be a predictable cycle we do. It's just business, yes, but that doesn't make it any easier for those impacted. I've lost count but I'd guess this is the fourth time we've been through layoffs of a significant magnitude since I've been on board. Part of me completely understands the need to cut costs and reduce headcount but an even bigger part of me finds it unsettling that we continue to hire between the layoffs despite the so called headcount targets even though those same targets are used to justify the cuts. Americans are losing their jobs because it's cheaper to hire workers overseas. But it's just business, right? It's a trend that's hard to get used to because I want it to mean something that I'm an American working in an American company.
It's up to me and everyone to remain employable and it's unreasonable to expect any kind of loyalty in this hyper competitive market. Just thinking about it for a moment you can understand the challenges and the reason behind many of the decisions. Even though many can accept what is happening, there is a reaction. The Mothership workforce that I'm exposed to have not ever really recovered from all these layoffs. It's not the business decision people are struggling with necessarily. It's the way The Man dishes it out. Calling layoffs "redeployments" is a slap in the face. Being told to "keep our heads down during these tough times" when we all know it they mean "shut up and get back to work". Morale issues seem to be annoyances as if to suggest we should just be happy to have jobs. Unmotivated workers are not coming in early or staying late anymore. The parking lot is evidence of that.
I really do like my job and want to focus on it and not worry so much about my future. It will be sad to see people lose their jobs. I hope I don't ever need to be the one that has to tell someone that they are being let go. No matter what happens with work, it's important to keep it in perspective. It is just a job after all and there are others out there. I've worried less about it the last few times then I did the first few times and I'm pretty sure it's because I have more confidence as a professional and also because I'm just happier these days.
I hate it when global companies based in the US lay of a disproportionate number of American worker over workers in other countries. Many times the layoffs are 100% US workers. How is this fair? Workers outside the US have massive protections in the law, and its almost impossible to fire a worker outside the US. Those non-US workers also have better pay and benefits, plus, their work conditions are much better than those in the US. If you've ever worked on a global team, have you noticed that you work harder and longer than your teammates in other countries? How about holidays and vacation? Notice that those employees get a heck of a lot more time off than you do? And when US companies have one of their few observed holidays, did you notice email from your teammates in other countries (who didn't have the day off) didn't seem to be at the same volume as normal? Coincidence? Many European workers get car allowances, and you don't have to be in sales to get this allowance, most of the workers do. It's a dirty little secret. Any of this sound fair? Why are American workers shouldering most of the work and productivity for the world? Is it any wonder American workers die about 20-30% earlier than workers in almost any other industrialized nation? Just some perspective.
Posted by: Jeff | March 15, 2009 at 01:12 AM
Wow - I am relating to every single word of this post. Thank you.
Posted by: Steph W | October 24, 2007 at 05:10 AM