Offboard
Posts
Structure Your Layoff with the Offboard Checklist

Structure Your Layoff with the Offboard Checklist

Take the necessary steps after a layoff, top 10 companies for culture, tools of the week, and more!

September 21, 2023

In this week’s newsletter:

✅ Your Layoff Checklist
📰 Layoff Headlines this Week
🌍 The Top 10 Companies Leading the Charge for Culture and Values
🛠️ Job Seeker Tools of the Week - Monic, Glimpse

✅ Your Layoff Checklist

"One of the most important parts of developing an identity that can thrive, persist, and endure change is to diversify your sense of self... "

Brad Stulberg in Master of Change

In the Airtable of work-life, every cell seemed perfectly aligned—until a rogue linked record of layoff whispers began to circulate. You're frantically searching the views to find clarity, and everyone's switching between grids and kanbans faster than a frantic game of musical chairs. Suddenly, Okta decides you're not on the guestlist, and it feels like you've been filtered out of the base, unlinked and floating. But as you descend from the cloud, wondering what view awaits you next, remember: Offboard is your pivot table, turning your freefall into a structured landing! 🚀

And Now for Your Layoff Checklist

*Disclaimer: These checklist items and their timeliness can vary across companies. Also, this is not financial advice.

**Link to shareable checklist and downloadable PDF at the bottom of this section

1. Computer Access

Upon receiving any notifications from HR, it's crucial to promptly secure any work-related documents you've been involved with. IT protocols can be swift, so ensure you've organized and saved your files efficiently.

Save personal files and important work documents.
- These can be anything from design files to other documentation that you’re legally allowed to take. The best time to start saving these was yesterday.
During large layoffs, some companies may just let you keep your company-issued computer. Get guidelines from IT on how to restore/wipe the computer for future personal use.

2. HR Communication

Store all necessary HR contact details in an accessible place.
Determine the preferred method of communication (email, phone, etc.).
Keep a log of all communication with HR for future reference.
Flag any unanswered questions or ongoing issues.

3. Seek Peer Support

Stay connected with affected colleagues through alumni networks, social media or other platforms.
If there isn’t an alumni network then start one! It can be as simple as a Whatsapp group or Slack channel.
Share experiences, tips, and resources.
If multiple employees face the same issues, consider addressing them as a group for better visibility and resolution.

More reading: Are you in on the secret? Workplace alumni networks are flourishing

4. Separation Agreement

Timeliness for severance agreements vary across companies and scenarios, but the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) sets some guardrails. Individuals that are laid off have a minimum of 21 days to consider an agreement. For group layoffs, it’s 45 days. There is also a 7 day revocation period where you can change your mind after signing.

Thoroughly review each section of the agreement.
Highlight areas that are unclear or seem problematic.
Consider hiring or consulting with an attorney.
Ensure all your rights are protected and your interests represented.

5. Insurance

Confirm the end date of your current insurance coverage.
Review what's covered until the end date (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
Research available health insurance marketplaces.
Look into COBRA or equivalent continuation coverage.

6. Unemployment

Prepare a folder with all required documents.
Keep a record of employment details: dates, roles, etc.
Visit your state's unemployment website.
Familiarize yourself with specific procedures and timelines.

7. WARN Benefits

Familiarize yourself with the definition and criteria of WARN.
Determine if you're eligible based on company size, location, etc.
Track all expected vs. received amounts in a spreadsheet.
Raise any discrepancies with HR promptly.

8. Payments

Create a spreadsheet or system to track payments.
Reconcile received amounts with what's expected.
Understand tax rates applied to severance or WARN.
If unsure, consult with a tax professional.

9. Stock

Understand the timeline for any vesting RSUs.
Determine the value and implications of these RSUs.
Confirm any variations in payments: WARN vs. base pay.
Understand the payout schedule.

10. Travel

Make a list of all scheduled work-related trips.
Determine if these trips are still necessary or if they can be canceled.
Ensure any expenses already incurred for these trips are reimbursed.

I know what you’re thinking, and I agree. This is not a checklist. BUT we have one prepared for you that you can either use as an online table/spreadsheet, or print it out so you can actually check the boxes.

Downloadable PDF Version Here

📰 Layoff Headlines this Week

Crunchbase News reported that at least 1,163 U.S. tech sector employees were laid off in the week ending September 15, 2023. [link]
Forbes mentioned significant layoffs with Airtable cutting over 25% of its staff and Google also laying off a portion of its recruiters. This information was reported 5 days ago. [link]
Bay area-based Kinnate Biopharma is undertaking a “reprioritization and workforce restructuring” plan that will reduce by its current employees by 70%. [link]
Intellizence reported on September 18, 2023, that Cisco Systems will lay off 350 employees in the tech giant's latest round of job cuts. [link]

🌍 The Top 10 Companies Leading the Charge for Culture and Values

“…previous research found that the culture and values of an organization are the most important drivers of employee satisfaction, and that has not been changed by the pandemic, despite the continued evolution of work.”

Glassdoor Research recently posted their findings on the toxicity in the workplace and were able to parse out which companies are leading by example when it comes to culture and values.

Prevalence of Toxic Culture:

A substantial 85% of professionals reported having worked in a company with a toxic culture. This issue is more prevalent among women (91%) compared to men (79%). Interestingly, younger professionals reported lesser exposure to toxic work cultures, possibly indicating a positive shift in workplace environments or the influence of remote work.

Industry-wise Toxicity:

Professionals in the marketing sector reported the highest exposure to toxic work cultures (97%), followed by those in the healthcare (95%) and insurance sectors (93%).

Tech Industry Culture Ratings:

The tech industry is known for its vibrant company culture, often offering attractive perks and fostering inclusive work environments. Between January 1st and August 30th, 2023, the tech industry received a culture and values rating of 3.70 out of 5 on Glassdoor, which is 3% higher than the national average of 3.58.

And the Winners Are…

Glassdoor compiled a list of the top 10 tech companies leading in culture and values based on ratings from US-based employees during the specified period. These companies are recognized for promoting inclusive work environments and offering benefits such as hybrid or remote work options, learning and growth opportunities, and mentorship programs.

Methodology: The list was compiled from ratings on Glassdoor from US-based employees between January 1 and August 30, 2023. It includes US-based tech companies with over 1,000 employees and a minimum of 50 culture and values ratings during this period. The data was supplemented by a poll conducted on Fishbowl by Glassdoor, which received over 5,000 responses from US professionals.