Layoffs signal lack of leadership

If you are like me, your LinkedIn feed is full of friends announcing they are now unemployed, victims of layoffs from large and, in some cases, insanely profitable companies.

These layoffs are an absolute crock.

These companies are blaming over-hiring during the pandemic and the anticipated economic downturn/uncertainty for the need to send employees packing.

What I don't hear companies saying is they take the commitments they made to their employees seriously. I don't see announcements of reduction in executive pay and perks as companies fight to keep their employees on the payroll. I don't read about CEOs saying they'll strip every expense before they lay off one single employee. Think that isn't possible, that large companies can't compete that way? Take a look around. It isn't hard to find companies saying there will be no layoffs. It is possible. It is a choice.

When the winds shift, as they always do, we are all going to be hurting. More quiet quitting, waves of resignations, and people abandoning the workforce. Less trust, less loyalty, fewer long-term employees building for long-term visions.

Layoffs are not leadership. Layoffs are a signal of lack of imagination and short term thinking.