Layoff hoops at Google

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WzAe18

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WzAe18
Aug 19, 2020 38 Comments

A pretty open secret about Google is how they handle layoffs. Instead of directly firing people, they give notice and allow people 60 days to try to find another job inside the company, which is often not likely. They also withhold severance until the end of the 60 days. They also don't let people voluntarily opt out of the 60 days and take their severance immediately.

What would you imagine the purpose is for such a setup?

#severance #layoff

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TOP 38 Comments
  • Stripe
    con cรก ๐ŸŸ

    Go to company page Stripe

    con cรก ๐ŸŸ
    I think the goal is to give them a good chance to find a new position that they'll love, rather than having to take the first thing that comes along or leave.

    I'm having a hard time putting a negative spin on this policy TBH.

    Do you also think that the perks such as food and gyms are a cynical conspiracy to compel workers never to go home?
    Aug 19, 2020 6
    • Stripe
      con cรก ๐ŸŸ

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      con cรก ๐ŸŸ
      This policy is for people whose team has been disbanded. It's not for people who fail PIPs. If they decide that they no longer want to work at Google, then obviously they are free to leave, but it's unreasonable to expect severance in such cases.
      Aug 19, 2020
    • Isnt the 60 days essentially a severence? Its actually better then being completely let loose because you have access to internal education materials to help you pass interviews at other companies
      Aug 20, 2020
  • Google
    timapps

    Go to company page Google

    timapps
    If I intentionally fail to find a new team within 60 days, is that a free 60 day paid vacation plus severance?
    Aug 19, 2020 4
  • New / IT
    rfgQ51

    New IT

    rfgQ51
    Probably to basically force you to find another job outside the company so you donโ€™t take severance.
    Aug 19, 2020 0
  • Google
    flying owl

    Go to company page Google

    flying owl
    Labor law in some states require 60 days notices
    Aug 19, 2020 4
  • Google
    ๐Ÿฆ‘dive deep

    Go to company page Google

    ๐Ÿฆ‘dive deep
    Big tech companies like google donโ€™t want to lose good engineers just because they decide to cancel a project. Giving people a chance to find a new project is good business sense.
    Aug 19, 2020 0