We asked Get Ahead readers to send their layoff tales and we are getting mails from employees belonging to different sectors of the Indian economy.
In the 16th part of this series, Abhishek tells us how the IT company he joined sacked around 500 people -- mostly newcomers -- across the country after which the company posted a good financial report. His advice: Never trust the company leadership team.
Name: Abhishek (name changed on request)
Age: 25
Company/Sector: IT, MNC
Educational qualification: BTech (Computer Science)
Work experience: 2.6 years
Background:
I finished my BTech in computer science three years back and was working with a big IT company and had the most secure job before I joined this new organisation.
How I lost my job:
I joined this IT company 2.5 months back in their development centre. The company paid me a huge package and the assurance that they have enough work in the pipeline in the finance domain. But I soon realised they had lied to me about the project and kept me on the bench for 2.5 months. The project staffing team assured me they had requirements matching my profile.
Even the India head (MD) assured people about the good financial position of the company. They were still hiring and promoting employee referrals in this economic crisis.
People were unaware of the management decision and one fine morning when people came to work they saw a lot of security guards, which was quite unusual. Around 10 am the CEO sent a letter stating retrenchment in the organisation.
Soon after, employees were called for a meeting after which they were sent home in a cab. They were not allowed to go back to their seat or meet their colleagues. It looked like a very well-planned layoff. They must have planned it at least one month back.
The company sacked about 500 people from across India. Most of the employees who got the pink slip were newcomers. After this mass layoff this company posted a good financial result.
Lessons learnt:
A company will always act in its own interest.
Check the history of the company before joining.
Put a lot of thought before joining any company.
Build a strong network of people at your workplace.
Save at least six months of your salary. This will help you if ever you are without a job.
Never trust the company leadership team.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
Do you have a layoff tale to tell?
Have you lost your job? Do you know someone who has lost her/his job recently and is trying to come to terms with the situation?
If you, your friends or relatives have a layoff story to tell, to inform readers about the lessons that you have learnt, please write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in. Your name and identity will not be disclosed unless you want it to.
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