Thread regarding Dell Inc. layoffs

Realistically, you never know. I'd say in normal companies it would be a pretty good sign that you are getting let go if your manager is being "standoffish" or whatever but, considering the fact that last year they "flattened" middle management and basically demoted all managers and sr. managers, it very well could be that your manager - even if they are a director - are just as nervous about being let go as everyone else.

@ax same situation here as well. It’s annoying and I really wish to be let go instead of having to deal with this torture

I was WFH 2 years ago. I was a high performer heavily involved with many large projects. I have reflected on this a great deal. Yes, I probably need therapy.

I had no clue when it happened.

No one is irreplaceable.

@qv I’m in same situation, and yes you’re 100% these last weeks of the quarter are testing my patience and anxiety is through the roof!!

@OP yes, it’s highly likely that you are in the list for upcoming wfr. This list was finalized in mid December. The next two weeks will test your patience, hold tight and this too shall pass.

@a4 He 100% knew but wasn't allowed to say anything due to the possibility of you causing havoc.. But he absolutely knew at a minimum, a week in advance though likely a few months in advance.

my group doesn't have slow times and is shorthanded and we still lose people to layoffs. We've lost at least one at every layoff in the past few years. Perhaps the product that I work on is doomed as they never backfill.

Not sure but, a good sign is usually when you stop getting work over the course of a few months... Which sometimes is a fluke depending on your position and what org you are in. My group/team definitely has it's ultra slow times in which nobody really has much to do but id say it's when it feels like everyone else has work and you are sitting around playing with your buttwhole

@b0 ditto for me

My Director gave me a good review and 3% merit increase in late Q1 2025 .
In late Q2 her behavior started to change. Criticism of everything I did, impossible metrics and total change of attitude towards me was noticeable by everyone on my team!
When my director berated me in meetings, in front of customers and every conversation was negative, I knew I was targeted for the next WFR.
I was the highest paid and oldest person on my team and knew I was a target for next layoff!
Sure enough, I got the call in August as they read the WFR script. I was actually relieved that the stress was finally coming to an end.
Based on my experience, I would prepare to be on the next WFR list and get your resume and network updated for your next job!

@at he must have lied to me then

Exactly two years ago, I was informed by my manager that my role was being made redundant — right before the holidays. That timing alone showed a complete lack of humanity; it effectively ruined what should have been a time to disconnect and be with family.

In all honesty, it’s better not to know too far in advance. Carrying that knowledge for weeks or months is emotionally draining and exhausting. If you’re going to be notified and let go, it’s actually easier when it happens cleanly and directly, rather than living under a cloud of uncertainty.

@OP if your name is on the list, it has already been entered into the tool by Dec 19th. That part is done.

And don’t expect any signals from your manager. They will not give hints or confirmations before the official communication date. That’s not how this works. The only thing to do now is hang tight for a couple of weeks. And trust me you’ll feel better about it when it’s over.

@a4 that’s not true he knew. We all have to take a training course every time we’re about to lay somebody off in advance of the notification email so he definitely knew. Possibly for not more than a week but

My Manager almost doubled the number of people for direct reports. This translates into talking to more people, more escalations etc. Also, talking with Managers that i know on a more personal level, they are dealing with exactly the same anxiety as an Individual Contributor.

I don't know your relationship with your Manager but I would just strike up a general conversation about the state of Dell. Some are tight lipped and some may give you a glimmer of what is happening(MAYBE).

The behavior you describe could be anything. Talk with your colleagues to see what they are saying about your group.

They basically stopped giving me work for 3-4 months before they dropped the axe. It was VERY obvious it was coming.

I flat out asked my boss, and he didn’t deny it to his credit. Didn’t flat-out admit it was coming, but just started giving me general tips about preparing for the future and all that.

Maybe just ask and gauge the response.

It's confirmed. Those that are missing attainments (quotas) are getting the tap on the shoulder. Q4 end, is the END.

@OP If it’s weighing on you, best thing to do is have a direct discussion with your manager. Don’t read into it. For all you know, THEY are the one feeling threatened by job loss.

Secondly, if you like working for Dell, make it known. It’s a shame when people who really WANT to be here get cut.

my manager never knew until he had to send me the 'business update' meeting on a Friday for a Monday meeting. Maybe you'll know more today