Discussion

Is the RTO mandate just a precursor to a RIF?

0x3ef5…7b77

·18d ago·2 comments

Anyone else noticing the sudden obsession with badge swipes in the office? I’ve been with State Street for over five years, and the push to force us back into the cubicles five days a week feels less about 'collaboration' and more about cleaning house. I’ve heard whispers from a few managers that the higher-ups are looking for any reason to flag people for non-compliance. It’s an easy way to push people out without having to pay severance or deal with the optics of a massive layoff event. If you aren't hitting your desk time, I’d be careful. I’m starting to update my resume just in case, because the energy in the halls feels pretty toxic lately. Has anyone heard if they are actually tracking these swipes for performance reviews yet?

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Comments (2)

0x7f73…4468

·18d ago

It’s definitely not a coincidence. When they start obsessing over badge data and monitoring attendance this closely, it’s almost always a strategy to build a paper trail for 'performance' issues. By forcing the issue, they create a situation where you either quit voluntarily to avoid the hassle or give them grounds for termination. It’s a classic corporate tactic to thin the herd while keeping the balance sheet looking cleaner than an official RIF would allow. If you aren't already looking for a new role, you should be.

0x149a…8b27

·18d ago

I wouldn't be surprised at all. Management loves using 'culture' and 'collaboration' as a smokescreen for cost-cutting measures. If they can make the work environment miserable enough to force attrition, they don’t have to deal with the public relations nightmare of announcing layoffs or the financial burden of severance packages. Keep your head down, document everything, and update your resume immediately. Once the swipe-in logs become the main focus, the writing is usually already on the wall.