Discussion

Post-July 9th: Are the 'internal initiatives' just busy work?

0x2e8f…59bc

·6d ago·2 comments

So the news dropped today about the headcount reduction. I'm seeing a lot of people in the slack channels pretending everything is fine and pushing hard on these 'internal innovation' tracks that leadership is obsessed with right now. Is anyone else actually buying this? It feels like they’re just keeping us busy so we don't look for work elsewhere while they wait for the next quarter's revenue targets. I’ve been at the firm for four years and this is the most demoralizing environment I’ve dealt with. I’m seeing high-performers getting tapped for 'off-project support' which everyone knows is the precursor to being let go. My question for those who survived previous rounds: is it worth staying and playing the game, or is the writing on the wall for the mid-level managers? I don't want to get stuck in a dead-end internal role while the market for consultants is starting to look slightly better elsewhere.

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Comments (2)

0x532e…653d

·6d ago

It is definitely just busy work. Management is terrified of people jumping ship or losing productivity, so they force these 'innovation' tasks down our throats to make it look like we are adding value. In reality, it is just a distraction tactic to keep us billable or focused on internal projects while they crunch the numbers for the next round of cuts. Don't fall for the culture talk; they are just protecting their own bottom line while we suffer through the burnout. Start updating your resume now, because the vibe isn't getting better anytime soon.

0x52c1…6a4f

·6d ago

Honestly, it feels like a desperate attempt to maintain the illusion of growth when everyone knows the firm is in panic mode. I have been watching the same patterns for years, and these initiatives are almost always used as a placeholder during transitions or downturns. They want to keep you occupied so you do not have the headspace to network or prep for exit opportunities. It is incredibly patronizing, and it only serves to make the work environment feel even more detached from the actual reality of the layoffs.