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Just realized it's not Friday ☹️
Pros and cons of working on an auto brand?
Anyone transitioned from strategy to UX?
Going in house is the move, right?
Which agencies are going through layoffs
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Do not directly come out and say it. You will only lead yourself into trouble. The person is probably already sensing something is amiss. In the meantime do your best to support your coworker and after the layoff, reach into your own network to help out.
Is the account partner a personal friend? I guess I’m asking why do you feel an obligation to warn them?
Something like this happened during layoffs at my company. One of the beneficiaries of the heads-up told HR he was warned ahead of time and by whom. That good samaritan got a huge amount of political blow-back in return. So, I would say stay out of it.
Do not tell them! They could even try to find out if it’s true and drop your name while doing so.
I had something similar to me happen, I was doing my partner a favor and let them in on information that was to help them. Instead of taking the information and planned out their exit strategy. They went to several people higher up and told them that I told them “xyz.” It got me in serious hot water with several people at my agency and actually ruined the trust of a close friend.
I was in a similar scenario and I didn’t tell my colleague and I still feel terrible about it (7 years later). But I know I did the right thing by not telling them because it was really none of my business to begin with. The transparency is nice but it is unfortunate that your employer roped you in to it. I think the reco from Creartive Director 1 of “I hear more layoffs are coming” is a super classy way handle. And when/if they are let go, be a solid friend and provide them the support they need to find a new gig. Hang in there.
Politics aside - I respect your empathy and hear your desire to help your friend. Start sharing recruiters and jobs you see. Being vigilant on your “next” is always good esp now and you could frame it that way.
Give them a hint, be a human not an employee.
Chief
It’s not about being human. It’s about whether you can actually affect anything. Having news and helping are two different things.
Nope. Telling him/her will bring you into this and I promise it’s not a place you want to be. Also, things change and people that are “definitely going to laid off” often aren’t.
Dont put anything in writing - call them and suggest they update their resume
....it’s literally how I was given the heads up. Hopefully the account person is smart enough to take the hint.
You can hint at it for sure but flat out warning them could get you into hot water at your company.
Lots of unknowns here are you personal friends ? Will you see or think of this person in the future ? Would you recommend them for a job with a future employer to be your partner again? If the answer is no to any of the above then you really have no obligation.
Chances are if this is due to performance they will put him or her on a performance plan and eventually fire them - so they will have a heads up for sure (usually 30 days notice). Once that happens you can for sure give them resume advice or even offer to be a reference ( if you want to!). Your call - you mention they are doing a poor job perhaps you can steer them into a different professional path or help them apply for roles that are outside of the account world .
You'd be next if this comes out so don't tell them
1. Burner Gmail account.l
2. VPN if needed
3. Write anonymous email
Chief
Don’t.
Oh man. I’d stay out of this one. Respect and appreciate your empathy but this is a no-win situation
Friendly reminder that your coworkers are not your friends and they will not have your back.