ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Here’s Why Experts Caution Against Posting Layoff Videos

Experts caution against potential risks to professional reputation.
PUBLISHED APR 11, 2024
Cover Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Olivier Bergeron
Cover Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Olivier Bergeron

A TikTok video depicting a layoff incident at tech giant Cloudflare has ignited a firestorm on social media, prompting widespread conversation on company practices and employee rights. Posted by TikToker Brittany Pietsch (@brittanypeachhh) on January 9, the video has swiftly gained traction, drawing attention to the handling of layoffs and the role of social media in documenting workplace events. In the video, Pietsch shares her experience of being laid off from the company, sparking significant engagement from viewers. With over 1.1 million views to date, the video has stirred debate over corporate transparency and the impact of layoffs on employees.

TikTok | Brittany Pietsch | @brittanypeachhh
Image Source: TikTok | Brittany Pietsch | @brittanypeachhh

This viral sensation mirrors a similar occurrence in April 2023 when TikToker Joni Bonnemort, residing in Utah, shared her own layoff experience on the platform. In April 2023, she uploaded a video akin to Pietsch's, providing insight into her termination.

"I documented my layoff because at that point I was already very active on TikTok." Despite the vulnerability displayed, she felt compelled to share her story as it unfolded, asserting, "I posted it because it was my experience," Bonnemort told CNBC Make It.

Bonnemort's video resonated with viewers, with her reporting a staggering "95% positive" response. The outpouring of support not only served as a source of comfort but also sparked connections with others sharing similar experiences. Remarkably, her transparency even caught the attention of potential employers, leading to interview requests.

Image Source: Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA production |Pexels
Image Source: Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA production | Pexels

Phoebe Gavin, a career coach, cautions against the emotional vulnerability displayed in such posts. "Layoffs are often accompanied by heightened emotions, including anxiety, frustration, and resentment, which may not present the individual in the best professional light," she explained. "While a measured response is possible, there is a risk of appearing unprofessional or vindictive."

Furthermore, posting a layoff video may raise questions about the individual's motives. Angelina Darrisaw, founder and CEO of C-Suite Coach, highlights the perception that such videos are retaliatory in nature, potentially damaging the individual's credibility in the eyes of future employers.

"Trust, a crucial component of professional relationships, can be compromised if an individual is perceived as untrustworthy or vindictive," she said.

Pexels | Photo by Anna Shvets
Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Anna Shvets

Nolan Church, former Google recruiter and CEO of FairComp, underscores the long-term consequences of such actions. "A viral layoff video could tarnish an individual's reputation and hinder future career opportunities," he stated. While some may view it as a brave act of transparency, others may see it as a breach of professionalism.

In a similar incident, an Amazon employee, known as @thatamazonguyy on TikTok, disclosed his termination from the e-commerce giant after posting a video on the platform. The video gained considerable traction, with the former employee humorously advising customers against ordering heavy items due to the physical strain on workers.

With a remarkable seven-year tenure at Amazon, the man's abrupt termination shocked his followers, as he shared the news in a subsequent video, expressing dismay over being ineligible for rehire by Amazon. Despite intending humor, the video offended some viewers. The incident, however, has sparked debate on employee expression, corporate policy, and public perception, raising questions about social media boundaries and workplace grievances.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Guests on the show would run with it if they ever got that kind of money on Pawn Stars.
5 hours ago
The guest even said to keep the kids in the dark about how valuable these items were.
7 hours ago
The company had fantastic sales but a crushing debt with a high interest rate that the sharks hated.
10 hours ago
It was only Carey's second season in the show and he could have been part of a massive scandal.
1 day ago
“I won’t say anything, and you know why,” he said, with a gesture to zip his lips.
1 day ago
The ring was rescued by the guest's mother thanks to a stranger early in the morning.
1 day ago
"She blanked out. It happens to the best of us," a fan sympathized with the player.
1 day ago
The instrument originally belonged to the guest's grandfather who suffered a horrific injury.
2 days ago
The contestant's wife seemed embarassed at that point of time, and worried as well.
2 days ago
The co-founders of Dino Don got the shark that they always wanted on board.
2 days ago
One can understand why the measure is in place but the shopper was having none of it.
2 days ago
"My husband and I definitely noticed it! We had to rewind it a few times," a fan reacted.
2 days ago
All of the sharks agreed that she had a great product and the drive to be successful a businesswoman.
3 days ago
It's possible that the dog played a little part in making it easier for them to get a deal.
3 days ago
Without the help of his wife, the contestant would have gone home empty-handed.
3 days ago
The pawn store owner had a valid point since the item the guest had brought had numerous issues.
3 days ago
The contestant got the first part of the puzzle right but wasn't able to solve it in time.
3 days ago
"It's a lady's robe. A robe from 1750 is a very rare robe. The only other ones I know of this type, you'd have to go to Beijing," the appraiser said.
4 days ago
Harvey also got other hilarious answers, but nothing could match the woman's sass.
4 days ago
The Gronkowski family is famous for their contributions to America's sporting culture.
4 days ago