So I been debating on writing this post all weekend. On Friday my team received updated information from our supervision team regarding what to expect, that they are willing to release that is. This information included that all VSP will be accepted, outside of those that cannot be due to "company needs" (whatever that means). That the expected member loss numbers for the coming year are to be between 100k-200k. That after they review the VSP that they will then re-evaluate the needed number to be laid off if enough people don't take the voluntary hit.
Speaking as an employee if I am being very frank... If management want to do this as quickly and willingly as possible, they might consider providing the language expected to be sent with the VSP contract and allow for it to be written as a Voluntary Separation in lieu of projected possible layoff. This would allow those that need to, to file for Unemployment Insurance without having to fight up-hill. Especially since most people in this economy are living paycheck to paycheck. Those that have saving know that it will only last so long considering the job market and current living costs due to inflation. Secondly, anyone who has been here longer than a year know that this is just one in many cycles of layoffs since the transition to current leadership. There is no reason to believe anything we are told at this point. What is the expectation, what is the projection for expectations following the layoffs? How are we to be expected to meet the already rising expectations and decreasing co-worker numbers?
Couple that with the fact that we were also notified as of Friday even with all of this that all employees are going to expected to meet all expectations, and metrics regardless of situation, stress, lowered numbers and that management is going to be expected to enforce this across the board. I am so confused, with very few exceptions the people I have met in my time here spend every waking minute going above and beyond for our members, while at the same time expectations are tossed onto the heap with no explanation other than get it done. The number of hours in the day hasn't changed, the amount of work has increased at least five-fold, the duties keep getting tossed on our backs and you think that means it just magically gets done... Last time I checked I don't have a magic wand, if I did, I definitely wouldn't be in this situation, and neither would my members are co-workers.
So I would suggest that maybe management instead of just looking at how much money they need for investors takes a good look at the toll those goals is having on its workforce. I am telling you right now as someone who can see the writing on the wall at some point we all break. At some point the expenses that you will be looking at will be in disability insurance claims for the toll of the emotional and physical stress that you cause your employees.
I know this is a long post and for that sorry not sorry... But holy he-l batman when are is anyone going to listen to what is really happening. The people in the trenches are crying out for help, under a mountain of work, while doing everything we can to help members that are losing everything around us. You cannot keep moving the goal post ahead and looking down saying we aren't doing enough. Then mock up by send a freaking survey out the week you notify us all that we are temporary at best and really don't matter, while in the same breath shouting that we better meet those metrics and goals. THE AUDACITY!
So lastly, may the odds be ever in our favor. The 2026 Hunger Games have begun. To my co-workers I see you and hear you, I care that you are struggling even if they don't. No matter what happens I see your value and the way you affect these members every day. No matter what happens, take care of yourself and make the decisions that will make you okay.
8 replies (most recent on top)
Centene is a sinking ship, period. I can’t understand why anyone is even considering staying with the company. Why would you not start looking for another job at this point? This is a nightmare.
what’s funny is if the company decides they need me, I’m leaving anyway.
@aj 1000000% agree! To me it’s so blindingly obvious what the very end goal is here. 1st and above all else: Centene has to look great for the shareholders and investors.. no matter what happens to this company (selling in the future, reputation, contracts, ect., ect.)
What you stated here:
"Couple that with the fact that we were also notified as of Friday even with all of this that all employees are going to expected to meet all expectations, and metrics regardless of situation, stress, lowered numbers and that management is going to be expected to enforce this across the board."
indicates that they're setting people up to fail, to justify them skipping past the layoff option for next culling of the employees, to finding ways to fire people "with cause." That would save the company $$$ to not having to pay out unemployment insurance $$$ AND not having to offer severance in layoffs. If they can instead, find "legitimate reasons" to get people nixed due to "performance" issues, then those employees are SOL.
Lesson learned: When offered $ to leave, just take it and go. Don't wait and hope for something "better" like a maybe layoff package that might or might not happen. Don't argue or try to bargain for more $ or time with the company. Just take their money and GO!
@a2 THIS! heavy on find someone else to do it!!
my PL said that we will need to do more with less resources (‘cause obviously AI is supposed to do it all) and it’s a no for me dawg. I will go work a part-time job and figure out what my next move is. I’m not doing this bullsh-t with them.
Fam/Colleagues;
I have heard thru the grapevine, the Tic Toc creators have an overwhelming amount of family that is touched by this particular Corporate layoff, that they believe they can massively move our lovely members to not sign/resign with ANY CENTENE subsidiary! Meaning; when enrollment and/or special circumstance happens and they are able to pick an MCO/Marketplace, ect, it won’t be with Centene HA! They have learned their direct care will be like UHC, involving AI to determine their medical decisions, (I know they all do but just keep with me a sec lol) and they are SPREADING the news that the largest Medicaid distributed company in the USA is replacing humans involved in direct care!
Now.. humor me a lil.. could our members actually determine if this company dives nose first and SL and company will have to sell their 18 cute vacations homes in the future CAN YOU IMAGINE LMAO
Sorry I just had a rare giggle and started thinking 🤔
I so hear you! I went through the exact same thing at Unitedhealthcare when they did their VSP. I can only share my experience. They still did layoffs after the VSP, in waves. It will be difficult to concentrate and to quite frankly give a cr-p while not knowing when the shoe will drop. Keep the emotions out of it, they certainly have. Make the best decision for you, and if you stay, please get your resume updated and start applying. Get your insurance situated. I had to do a short-term health plan because the marketplace ones were crazy pricey. At the very least, carry over the dental and vision as Cobra if you leave-good for 18 months. I truly wish you and the other Centene employees the best!
I asked my PL if employees leave & we have to pick up the slack if we will be compensated appropriately. He laughed. Literally laughed and said "Uh, no." I don't think it's funny and I will not break my back by taking on any additional duties without just compensation. They can find someone else to do it, because I'm not.