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Oh gee -- this message made me sit down and think just how long I've been in
this business....I've been through a couple of recessions and layoffs since
starting back in 1981...
I don't think there is a way to lay off folks that 100% win-win for
everyone. I've been on both sides, and it is never "good."
BEST LAYOFF:
I worked for a dot-com in San Francisco. There was a 15% across the board
(except for management, naturally) cut. The company was very accomodating.
Each channel was told in a group what would happen. Those laid off would
receive full benefits for three months, two months severence, and the use of
company offices and equipment. Also, a placement firm was brought in to
help those laid off secure other jobs. You didn't have to, but were
encouraged to show up each day for the first two week to meet with placement
counsellors, use the business site to set up interviews, fax, etc. While
the layoff hurt, at least the company was trying to make it as painless as
possible.
WORST LAYOFF:
Get into work on a Monday. The email and LAN are down. No one knows what's
going on. We get called into an all hands meeting. The president tells us
that we're out of business. No severence. No benefits. No accrued
vacation/sick pay. Oh by the way--you'll be led to your offices by these
rent-a-cops to pack up what is yours. Abientot! This was a dot-com-bomb.
Funny this topic came up...I was just laid off last Wednesday....
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