Navigating Layoffs: Strategies for Companies and Employees
Companies are resorting to euphemisms like "involuntary career event" and "rightsizing" to soften the blow of layoffs, fearing social media backlash. The use of vague language, termed "jargon monoxide," is seen as an attempt to placate workers, but experts argue that it ultimately fails to mitigate the emotional impact. The shift away from direct terms like "firing" is attributed to stigma, and regional variations in phrasing exist. Experts advise that a straightforward approach acknowledging the impact on employees is the best way to handle layoffs, especially in the context of post-pandemic over-hiring.