Friday, April 26, 2002
In the eyes of a child
Posted by Andy Sjostrom in "THOUGHT" @ 04:02 AM
I am worried. Have we lost sight of what it means when people are laid off? Siemens, Ericsson are two companies that during the last couple of days have announced that more than 10,000, combined, will lose their jobs. These 10,000 are added to the hundreds of thousand people laid off the past 18-24 months. Please note that the remainder of this thought has nothing to do with Siemens or Ericsson specifically, but the entire IT industry as a whole.
Even though I understand the hard facts behind the turmoil we've experienced the last two years, I hope we never forget what it really means for the families, moms, dads and children affected. A company that doesn't get income and cost in positive balance has to address the problems. I realize that. However, I am sad to see that not only have we seemingly forgotten the consequences for the ones getting laid off, but some companies, even well-performing market leaders, don't seem to hesitate one second to lay off loyal, talented, moms and dads to make that extra buck "above expecations".
I wish we sometimes could see market events in the eyes of our children.
"Dad came home early yesterday. He was sad. He told mom he got fired and she started crying. I couldn't sleep very well tonight."
"My mom lost her job last week. Her manager said the company can't afford her salary. That is not fair, because now we can't afford to stay in our house or keep our car."
Even though I understand the hard facts behind the turmoil we've experienced the last two years, I hope we never forget what it really means for the families, moms, dads and children affected. A company that doesn't get income and cost in positive balance has to address the problems. I realize that. However, I am sad to see that not only have we seemingly forgotten the consequences for the ones getting laid off, but some companies, even well-performing market leaders, don't seem to hesitate one second to lay off loyal, talented, moms and dads to make that extra buck "above expecations".
I wish we sometimes could see market events in the eyes of our children.
"Dad came home early yesterday. He was sad. He told mom he got fired and she started crying. I couldn't sleep very well tonight."
"My mom lost her job last week. Her manager said the company can't afford her salary. That is not fair, because now we can't afford to stay in our house or keep our car."
