In 2014 the started stealth layoffs in small increments, but the numbers were smaller and less off putting to the majority, so those left behind were easily fooled into a false sense of superiority, thinking they were somehow better than those let go falsely.
They started cutting older employees with bigger salaries as early as 2013, and even before, as they migrated their jobs to less experienced and cheaper workers in more remote locations.
That was the whole point of the "bucket" system. It was designed to reduce headcount and the middle mgmt felt it was safer to just get rid of the people they didn't know well, or bring on new people they could use as fodder for their safe picks at the company. In addition wen you asked for direction from mgmt on the reviews, they gave you no direction. Worse still, some actually lied to their employees and told them they were doing great only to be axed a month later. Crazy stuff. I'm glad I left when I did.
Happens every month. Still