The New Corporate Playbook for How to Do a Layoff

Key takeaways

Companies are adopting new, impersonal methods for informing employees about layoffs, like texts and emails, which is causing debate about the human touch in layoffs.
There is a potential backlash from employees and the public against companies that handle layoffs in a perceived heartless manner, affecting their brand image.
Prop betting is becoming increasingly popular, and sports leagues are exploring ways to curb its growth to maintain the integrity of their games.
Despite the massive success of 'Baby Shark Dance' on YouTube, Pinkfong faces challenges in monetizing the content due to regulations.

Summary

Changing Layoff Strategies

The discussion centers around how companies are evolving their layoff practices to be more efficient. Instead of traditional face-to-face notifications, companies like Amazon and Condé Nast have resorted to methods like text messages and video calls to inform employees of their job loss. This shift reflects a desire to handle layoffs quickly and minimize emotional reactions in the workplace. However, this new approach has raised concerns about compassion and the human aspect of employee relations.

Implications of Layoff Communication

Chip Cutter emphasizes the implications of the new communication strategies employed during layoffs. While intended to reduce emotional strain on remaining employees, these methods can come off as heartless and negatively impact how the public perceives the companies involved. The example of Condé Nast's layoff-related protests highlights the potential backlash from employees when they feel disrespected by such impersonal approaches.

Impact of Gambling on Sports

The podcast transitions into a discussion about prop betting and its escalating popularity in sports. Pro leagues are faced with the challenge of balancing the benefits of gambling, which can enhance viewership and engagement, against the risks of player and game integrity being compromised. Jared Diamond explains the evolution of prop betting and what actions leagues are taking to curb potential abuses in this new betting environment.

Baby Shark's Business Paradox

Lastly, the podcast notes the commercial success of the viral children's hit 'Baby Shark Dance.' Despite its incredible viewership on YouTube, the company Pinkfong struggles to monetize its popularity fully due to strict rules regarding kids' content. The upcoming IPO for Pinkfong in South Korea signals a new chapter as they aim to leverage their brand and create fresh content.

Show notes

P.M. Edition for Nov. 17. As companies are laying off thousands of workers, they’re using new tactics like texting and emails and listen-only video calls to communicate to workers that they’ve lost their jobs. Chip Cutter, who covers workplace issues for the Journal, discusses what’s driving these new strategies and how workers are responding. Plus, the head of FEMA has resigned after about seven months on the job. And “Baby Shark Dance”—every toddler’s favorite jam—is YouTube’s most watched video ever. But that mind-blowing popularity hasn’t translated to major sales for the South Korean company behind it. Alex Ossola hosts.

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