Chapter 1: The Impact of Constant Change

A blue notification blinked on my screen, signaling yet another change. "We have some updates to discuss in our 1–1 today," it read, hinting at the corporate turmoil beneath the surface. I leaned back, the memory of last year's virtual anniversary cake still lingering in a bland aftertaste. Twelve months brought three different managers, their backgrounds and bookshelves merging into a chaotic collage of instability. In this realm of glowing screens and impersonal emails, change has become an unwelcome fixture that never announces its arrival. Each shift in management introduces a fresh array of jargon and priorities, all accompanied by the same hollow assurance: "This will benefit us!"

My third manager's voice crackled through the speaker during our initial meeting. His image occasionally pixelated, reflecting his own rocky journey — once a peer, abruptly dismissed, now reemerging as a VP. "We must have broken some sort of record here," he joked. My chuckle felt more like a reflex than genuine amusement, a coping mechanism amid the latest round of corporate reshuffling. Meanwhile, a colleague in her home office was facing a similar predicament, having seen five managers come and go in the span of just as many quarters. After each announcement, I’d find her by the virtual watercooler, where emojis and memes replaced real camaraderie. "You're not alone in this," I'd type, sending a digital hug through the ether. Yet, isolated in our virtual cubicles, the comfort we attempted to share seemed as elusive as the constantly shifting organizational chart dictating our workdays.

These challenges are not confined to my current employer but reflect a broader trend within the tech industry. Every organization I've been part of has undergone some form of internal restructuring every 12–18 months, but the scale and apparent futility of these changes have never been as evident as they are now. If you’re in tech, you’re likely well aware of the tumultuous journey the industry has taken through what can only be described as a whirlwind of layoffs and strategic blunders over the last few years.

Roger Lee, who runs the industry tracker layoffs.fyi, was quoted in a 2024 NPR article discussing how tech companies seem to be rewarded by Wall Street for what is labeled "cost discipline." This so-called discipline is prompting more companies in the tech sector to slash costs aggressively and implement layoffs. Stanford business professor Jeffrey Pfeffer refers to the trend of companies in the same industry mimicking each other's layoffs as "copycat layoffs." He frames it as a case of social contagion, where firms replicate the actions of others without fully contemplating the long-term ramifications.

The reality is as shocking as it is disheartening.

Amid these layoffs, talented employees are let go — not due to performance issues but as a result of shortsighted cost-cutting strategies. Instead of being reassigned within the organization, these individuals are often thrust into the job market, potentially competing against their former employers or shifting to different tech sectors. They carry their skills along with a growing skepticism towards corporate intentions.

Translating these reflections into writing brings a certain discomfort; a tangible wave of mistrust looms as I articulate these thoughts. The pervasive fear of any dissent is palpable, with the heavy hand of Corporate America feeling both oppressive and tyrannical. Ironically, this fear-driven silence only exacerbates the issue. The consequences of such corporate behavior are profound and widespread. The turmoil caused by frequent managerial changes and the continuous restructuring of teams disrupts more than just the beginning of the workweek. According to a report by leaders.com, the cost of firing and rehiring averages around 20% of an employee's salary. However, the hidden costs are even greater.

These organizational shifts lead to diminished productivity. For me, it typically takes two to three weeks to adjust to a team change. Currently, I'm awaiting some form of communication to be disseminated across the organization as I collaborate cross-functionally on a continental scale. For the time being, I’m left to convey the changes on a makeshift basis as teams reconfigure and stakeholders become acquainted with the new dynamics.

As an operations director, I have a distinct viewpoint on the effects of decision-making at all company levels. The repercussions of these decisions extend beyond just exhausted employees; they reach critical areas such as deliverability, morale, loyalty, brand reputation, and customer experience. Each of these elements plays a vital role in a business's overall success and profitability.

While some might argue that pushing employees out to temporarily inflate stock prices is justified, I firmly contend that investing time in thoughtful and intentional resource management can yield even greater returns. When organizations effectively align their human resources, they not only foster innovation but also cultivate loyalty and creativity among their teams. This approach transcends mere adaptation to change; it nurtures a culture of resilience and competitive advantage that distinguishes companies in the marketplace.

Recognizing the immense value of stability in a constantly evolving environment is essential. While change can indeed foster progress, deliberate and thoughtful adjustments often lead to more significant achievements than hasty and reckless corporate reorganizations. The challenge for leaders in the tech industry — and in all sectors — is to adopt a management style that values the human element of business as much as financial success. By nurturing a supportive workplace culture, organizations can fully harness the capabilities of their employees, resulting in sustained growth and success that benefits everyone involved.

The first video explores the potential repercussions of resisting organizational change, highlighting the challenges and benefits of adapting to new structures.

The second video delves into the impacts of technological changes on work arrangements, providing insights into how these shifts affect the workplace.