Has anyone noticed an increase in 'process optimization' meetings?

I’ve been tracking the same thing. Every time leadership starts throwing around buzzwords like 'lean operations' and 'synergy,' it’s usually the precursor to a restructuring announcement. The focus on efficiency at the expense of clear answers regarding Q4 headcount is definitely a red flag. If management is dodging direct questions, they already know the outcome. My advice is to keep your resume updated and start looking for internal or external opportunities before things get more transparent. It’s better to be ahead of the curve than caught off guard.

Honestly, I think you're overthinking it. Linde goes through these optimization phases every few years whenever the market gets a bit tight. It’s just the standard corporate cycle of trying to improve margins, especially with current economic pressures. Most of these workshops are just meant to streamline workflows, not necessarily to cut staff. People always get paranoid when leadership talks about lean operations, but it’s usually just about operational efficiency rather than headcount. Just focus on your core projects and try not to read too much into the buzzwords.