01/29/21 at 9:35PM UTC
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Can you be fired for talking about a company layoff?
A memo went out today basically telling those of us who survived the layoff that the information is confidential and we are not to share the staff reduction information with anyone outside the company. It's already crushing knowing my friends don't have jobs, mine is likely going to be cut and I can't even talk to people about it because it's confidential? I understand the company doesn't want this out there because it's their bad business decisions that put us in the place where layoffs are necessary, but telling us not to talk about it is pushing the limits for me.
7 Comments
Barb Hansen
Ask me anything about Startups
3.33k
01/29/21 at 10:01PM UTC
Can you be fired for leaking confidential company information?
Yes.
There might be some state-to-state differences but I would err on the side of caution and not talk about the upcoming lay-offs with anyone.
2 Replies
Jasmine
113
01/29/21 at 10:04PM UTC
Yes, I agree with Barb, you can be fired for leaking confidential information and it would be best not to talk to anyone about lay-offs.
1
Reply
Anonymous
01/29/21 at 10:06PM UTC
the layoffs happened a few days ago. They are not pending. The people who were let go have already been terminated and filed for unemployment.
I need to talk to my friends or hell even my therapist about the stress this is causing. I can understand keeping some trade secret, but you eliminated 10% of our staff and expect the rest of us to do the work.
2 Replies
Megan Therese Larsen
22
01/30/21 at 12:11AM UTC
Talking to your therapist about the layoff for the purpose of treatment for layoff related anxiety and stress is okay. Your therapist is bound to confidentiality and your employer cannot preclude you from being treated.
Speaking about layoffs to friends, family, posting about it in a private chat group or private social media platforms, like Facebook, is a professional breach and should be avoided. The company is within their rights to request this not to be discussed outside of the company.
Is this your first layoff? I know layoffs are devastating, but layoffs are a part of business. Loosing work friends, and having survivors guilt for staying employed can really be depressing, but it is something you will get used to over time. If you think you are next on the list, don't wait around. Get into the right positive headspace, imaging your next dream job, set some career goals, and start looking!
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Barb HansenAsk me anything about Startups
3.33k
01/30/21 at 2:16AM UTC
Oh, I'm sorry I didn't read that the layoffs where recently in the past. And I agree with you that's it's weird to tell staff not to talk about a round of layoffs that happened in the past.
I would absolutely talk to my family about the layoff, and if news of the layoff has hit the business news in your area, then I think you are free to talk the layoff to your family and friends.
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Janet ParkhurstCopy that gets RESULTS.
453
01/30/21 at 12:02AM UTC
That's unfortunately the way it is. Do more with less. Sigh.
Reply
Pam Romero
32
01/30/21 at 3:44AM UTC
I’m so sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. You should reach out to your HR Department to ask if you or they can create a support group so you can speak about this experience in a safe space within your organization so that you will not be in violation of the established policy.
Change, especially a lay off, is tough. However, it’s also a good time to look for opportunities to demonstrate your strengths. Since you and your team will now have to take on more work, think of ways to address this. Try to formulate a plan to present to your manager. Don’t wait to be told.
Good luck and I hope that you feel better soon.
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