Layoff – the right way?

Right Way to lay off?

There is no RIGHT way to lay off – especially for those impacted. The trauma and upheaval of being laid off is understood only those by who have been ‘let go’

Research shows that the loss of a job often amounts to the grief of the loss of a loved one. Especially for those whose self-worth is linked to their job.

But if there are some best practices, following are some measures that can ameliorate the trauma, at best.

Sundar Pichai’s recent handling of the decision to lay off 12000 Google employees is very reminiscent of Brian Chesky, founder and CEO of Airbnb during the pandemic (a case study at the time)

Here are some of the highlights from Sundar Pichai’s email to the departing employees, that resonated with me.

–   He started by saying ‘I am deeply sorry’

–  In the past 2 years we hired for a different economic reality than what we face today.

– Addressing the leaving Googlers: ‘Your contributions have been invaluable and we are grateful for them’

– More than the sentiments expressed, are the actions taken to support the leaving employees.

–  Full pay for the notification period (minimum 60 days)

–  Severance package starting at 16 weeks salary plus 2 weeks for every additional year at Google.

–  Pay for 2022 bonuses plus remaining vacation time

–  Additionally 6 months of healthcare, job placement services and  immigration support for those affected

–  Outside the US, support for employees in line with local practices.

–  A Town Hall planned to discuss the many questions that would arise.

–  Ending on an optimistic note.  ‘Healthy disregard of the impossible’  has been core to Google’s culture.

– The same spirit and energy will drive going forward.

–  That makes us optimistic to deliver our Mission even  on our toughest days.  Today is certainly one of them.’

None of the above is intended to de-value the pain and angst that the leavers would be going through.

I have just tried to highlight a more ‘positive’ example in the midst of all the negativity around the large scale  layoffs, especially by IT majors.

Would love to hear your perspectives in the comments.

#skillgrill #jobs #culture #layoffs #leadership #hr
#google