Awkward situation / knowledge of employee layoffs

[Anonymous]

I work for a large company that has layoffs planned which has been disclosed to employees (that they are coming in Q1).

In Q4 I moved into an HR capacity at the company (previously held several other non-HR roles) and have knowledge of which employees will be let go in the coming months. Many of my old colleagues from past teams have been reaching out to me because everyone wants to know if they are going to be let go. It’s a highly awkward situation and I hate being put in this position. All I have said is that I actually don’t know who is being let go, which was technically true until yesterday when I was given a list, and several people I consider to be friends are on the list. Employees won’t be notified for at least another month and I feel awful for what’s to come.

Do I continue to say I don’t know who is getting let go, which won’t be believable for much longer because my team is managing the process? I don’t want to lie and give anyone a false sense of security.

What would be least offensive to you as a friend when you look back after all is said and done?

[Anonymous]

Just never acknowledge you had access to the list but encourage them to look for other opportunities in case they are let go and be supportive.

[Anonymous]

Just lie and keep saying you don't know. It's the only way.

[Anonymous]

I would give a hint to my friends, maybe that’s why I’m not a big time manager.

[Anonymous]

I would say that I am not permitted to discuss it to absolutely everyone who asks. I wouldn’t lie.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately you can’t tell them in advance. It can and will blow up in weird ways. It will cause more frenzy, panic and chaos. You’re in a tough position and I’m sorry for that. It’s a stressful situation.

[Anonymous]

HR are the paid gaslighters and liars of the company. This is what you signed up for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work for a large company that has layoffs planned which has been disclosed to employees (that they are coming in Q1).

In Q4 I moved into an HR capacity at the company (previously held several other non-HR roles) and have knowledge of which employees will be let go in the coming months. Many of my old colleagues from past teams have been reaching out to me because everyone wants to know if they are going to be let go. It’s a highly awkward situation and I hate being put in this position. All I have said is that I actually don’t know who is being let go, which was technically true until yesterday when I was given a list, and several people I consider to be friends are on the list. Employees won’t be notified for at least another month and I feel awful for what’s to come.

Do I continue to say I don’t know who is getting let go, which won’t be believable for much longer because my team is managing the process? I don’t want to lie and give anyone a false sense of security.

What would be least offensive to you as a friend when you look back after all is said and done?

Don't discuss it. That is your reputation on the line. You have been given confidential information and are thinking about potentially saying something to friends? Big no no. Also, it is not really professional of them to ask you if they are being laid off.

It would most likely come out and come back to you. Then you'd loose your job and if another company found out you released confidential information that wouldn't be good for your future.

If anyone knows layoffs are coming they should be actively applying for jobs and using their network. They shouldn't be asking you, they should be spending time applying for roles, using their network, budgeting, etc. Even you, OP!

It also isn't fair to others on that list who you wouldn't tell.

I am sorry and it stinks for those people, but this is the role you signed up for. Don't like it? Leave HR and do something else.

[Anonymous]

You need a script and use it with absolutely everyone who asks whether they are on it or not. This can be improved but like "I'm sorry but I wouldn't be able to tell you even when that information is available. I think everyone should have their resume and references together just in case." Your supervisor may have better language.

[Anonymous]

If your good friends are on the list, call them on personal line and tell them that there are chances that they may get laid off based on how the department reorgs are happening. Ask them to start looking for jobs outside. But don't tell them officially that you know since it is unprofessional to do that. Hence, personal call on non-office number and a clear hint.

[Anonymous]

Some of this advice is terrible, ignore it so you don’t get fired.

Don’t say anything to anyone about the layoffs. Your lack of confidentiality WILL blow up in your face and get you fired, and ruin your brand and reputation.

I work for a huge company and a person got fired for doing this very thing. Don’t say anything OP. You don’t owe anyone anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of this advice is terrible, ignore it so you don’t get fired.

Don’t say anything to anyone about the layoffs. Your lack of confidentiality WILL blow up in your face and get you fired, and ruin your brand and reputation.

I work for a huge company and a person got fired for doing this very thing. Don’t say anything OP. You don’t owe anyone anything.

This. They WILL fire you if you let people know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just lie and keep saying you don't know. It's the only way.

This. You truthfully can say the process is not yet final.

[Anonymous]

They are unprofessional and not a real friend to put you in this awkward situation. A person with the desperation to ask you this can’t be trusted and will likely betray you and you will be let go eventually as well - and prob not a “layoff” with no severance.!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need a script and use it with absolutely everyone who asks whether they are on it or not. This can be improved but like "I'm sorry but I wouldn't be able to tell you even when that information is available. I think everyone should have their resume and references together just in case." Your supervisor may have better language.

+1.
If these are people you see personally outside of work, then in an outside-of-work conversation I would feel fine adding "I think it would be wise to prepare" or similar emphasis that they will understand.

Also, I don't blame anyone for asking "any news?" but it's unprofessional to badger you.