Episodes tagged: Layoffs

How Year One Changed the Balance of Power at Work

In this episode, Steve examines how the first year of the second Trump administration has reshaped…

The Normalization of Layoffs and the Rise of Worker Burnout

In this episode Steve discusses how increasing layoffs from high-profile and wildly profitable companies like Amazon are creating a chilling effect on worker safety and confidence – and placing employees in a state of almost constant fear and uncertainty. If one of the largest, most successful companies can easily cut tens of thousands of workers – is any corporate job truly secure?

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The Paradox of Work in 2025: Huge Profits, Massive Layoffs

In this episode Steve shares how as 2025 winds down, the U.S. labor market has experienced a wave of layoffs – over 1.1 million so far – in spite of many organizations’ massive profits and all-time highs in the U.S. equity market. What can and should HR leaders do to make sure people are still at the center of workforce planning in the age of AI and downsizing?

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Workers Take the Fall for Poor Management Decisions at Amazon

In this episode Steve discusses the news from Amazon – 14,000 corporate workers slated to be let go do to “efficiency” and the rise of new AI technology. But who at Amazon is really responsible for the strategic errors that led to this, and will they also take their share of blame?

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The CEO’s Worst-Kept Secret: Mandatory RTO Polices are Just Layoffs in Disguise

In this episode Steve discusses how CEO’s continuing Return to Office (RTO) mandates are often designed to effect reductions in force – making the RTO calls just layoffs in disguise.

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New York and Other States Begin Targeted Recruiting of Fired Federal Workers

In this episode Steve shares how some states, including New York, have launched new recruiting campaigns and resources for the growing number of laid off and fired federal workers to attract them to open jobs in their state.

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Southwest Airlines Fast Becoming Just Like Every Other Airline

In this episode Steve discusses the recent news and changes from Southwest Airlines – including mass layoffs, new seating and boarding policies and more, which threaten to change almost everything that has come to define Southwest in the last 50 years.

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Not So Happy Holidays – Party City to Close, Fire Thousands of Employees

In this episode Steve discusses the recent announcement from retailer Party City, soon to close operations and fire over 12,000 employees.

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Workplace Movie Hall of Fame – Up in the Air

This week, they explore the workplace issues and themes within the movie, Up in the Air.

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Empathy and Expertise: Insights on Layoffs and Inclusion

This week on At Work in America, Trish and co-host Mervyn were joined by John Baldino to talk about HR consulting and the importance of handling layoffs well.

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