Get All Access for $5/mo

'Makes Me Sick': Man Goes Viral After Exposing Impersonal Nature of Layoffs One TikToker is starting a conversation around widespread layoffs and how impersonal they can be.

By Emily Rella

It's been a year of many layoffs across many industries, and one TikToker is shining a light on just how impersonal these widespread layoffs can be.

TikToker @elazie1 posted a video of his final company call, a three-way video chat with his manager and HR that's now been viewed over 10.9 million times. In the video, he jokingly asks if the call is about him getting promoted.

Spoiler alert: It was not.

@elazie1

Its realky fun to get layed off and i had a really good time

♬ original sound - Elazie

"Evan, thanks for your time today. So, you know, basically, in an effort to reduce costs, we are restructuring our business," a person on the video says. "And that has resulted in the elimination number of positions in the marketing team. And unfortunately, your position has been impacted."

He was told that he would be paid through December 23 and that the following day would be his last with the company.

People flooded the comments calling the delivery of the news "impersonal" and accused the manager of reading off a script.

Related: The Simple 4-Step Process That Will Help You Avoid Layoffs

"Ugh they're literally so robotic and unempathetic, makes me sick," one user expressed. "I'm so sorry, you deserve so much better."

"Any company that lays individuals off this close to the holidays deserves the worst fate," one even said.

In a follow-up video, Evan said he feels like the "Paul Revere of the recession" — his video is a warning to others who might soon find themselves in his position. He also revealed that he was given four weeks of severance.

"Being able to respond like this in this situation is a sign of strength," one user said. "Wishing you good things, best of luck."

The TikToker did not reveal the name of his former employer.

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Apple Reportedly Isn't Paying OpenAI to Use ChatGPT in iPhones

The next big iPhone update brings ChatGPT directly to Apple devices.

Business News

Sony Pictures Entertainment Purchases Struggling, Cult-Favorite Movie Theater Chain

Alamo Drafthouse originally emerged from bankruptcy in June 2021.

Marketing

Are Your Business's Local Listings Accurate and Up-to-Date? Here Are the Consequences You Could Face If Not.

Why accurate local listings are crucial for business success — and how to avoid the pitfalls of outdated information.

Growing a Business

He Immigrated to the U.S. and Got a Job at McDonald's — Then His Aversion to Being 'Too Comfortable' Led to a Fast-Growing Company That's Hard to Miss

Voyo Popovic launched his moving and storage company in 2018 — and he's been innovating in the industry ever since.

Money & Finance

Day Traders Often Ignore This One Topic At Their Peril

Boring things — like taxes — can sometimes be highly profitable.

Productivity

Want to Be More Productive Than Ever? Treat Your Personal Life Like a Work Project.

It pays to emphasize efficiency and efficacy when managing personal time.