Thread regarding SAS Institute layoffs

“ He probably is being kind by only releasing a small amount of water from the dam at a time. That being said, a mass layoff also signals big trouble, blood in the water. Business people don't want to do that and attract the sharks.

Instead, there will be small pockets here and there. Individuals will be released monthly, and small groups will be released quarterly or semi-annually.”

Precisely, because this can be spun as aligning staffing/talent priorities to current and foreseen business dynamics. Slowly reducing the SAS workforce (especially longer-term more highly paid employees), makes the company even more attractive for purchase. Less mess for the buyer to have to deal with.

A person making official statements has a strong incentive to be correct. If they get it wrong, they look like either foolish or untrustworthy.

Ms. Heath said that "approximately 1%" would be affected this year. If it reaches 1.5%, that would still be approximately correct.

Also, the "1%" does not include many of the global sales cuts announced in May. Those are subject to local employment laws, so many of them won't occur until next year.

Shannon Heath’s “1%” assertion is already proven false and they aren’t done yet.

There's been no internal announcement, and only a vague external announcement, in response to an employee who alerted the N&O. They're letting the rumors fly.

For sure, management knows that when they do a layoff, it will inspire some people to leave on their own. So it could be deliberate. But it's simpler to believe they're just handling this poorly.

Could it be a shot over the bow to instill the fear of Goodnight in people to coax some to leave on their own?

He probably is being kind by only releasing a small amount of water from the dam at a time. That being said, a mass layoff also signals big trouble, blood in the water. Business people don't want to do that and attract the sharks.

Instead, there will be small pockets here and there. Individuals will be released monthly, and small groups will be released quarterly or semi-annually.

RE "A 1% layoff could also be viewed as Jim Goodnight being kind to his employees."

100% agree. The company does have its issues (like any company), but I am thankful for his disposition, even though I don't agree with many of his business decisions.

A 1% layoff could also be viewed as Jim Goodnight being kind to his employees.

Because any publicly-held company would be driven by profit, so would lay off 20 percent or more.

SAS spokesperson Shannon Heath, whom I sincerely hope is well paid for putting a positive spin on negative stories, said Friday that this "shift in direction" affects about 1% of employees.

From published figures, adjusted for inflation, SAS revenues have declined about 20% over the last 10 years.

If the average annual decline is 2%, that could be balanced by 1% layoffs + 1% attrition.

They can do that every year, unless/until the trend changes or the company is sold. In the latter case, the new owner will decide whether 1% is the right number.

no chance it's done. buckle up bu-tercups.

Definitely not done!