Thread regarding Optum layoffs

Yep, got rif'd while on PTO today.

They don't care if you are on PTO, pregnant, old, on FMLA. They have you sign a severance so you don't sue them. Our VP was hinting at our last 4 meetings, we knew a layoff was coming from the signs they were giving us. Even went as far as having a "meeting" on how to post a profile on LinkedIn to look for a job. We all picked up on that one. 2 weeks later, wiped out half of our Team. So they know ahead of time! They just tell you they didn't know to save face.

@f2 Managers have known for two weeks.

Yes! They can let you go if you are on PTO. I was by my Dad's side in the hospital, on his final days and they let me go! Horrible Company to work for!

@eb I feel for you and the fact that you were reached out to, but it was not your boss and to wish something horrible happened to her shows what a nasty person you are even though you sugarcoated the message. She was following company rules, and what’s being dictated to her. It doesn’t matter if you’re on vacation, they call you… I’ve been working for the company 20 years. They are instructed that is what they are supposed to do or they potentially can lose their job. If they’re not following through this goes all the way up to the top. Pull your head out of the sand and open your eyes and place your blame where it belongs not on your supervisor

Anyone know when Managers had to provide names to lay off?

@ew This is correct, hence why Optum only has a VOIP number for me and when I'm off, I'm off. I don't take calls outside office hours (they sure aren't paying for more than 40 hrs) never mind if I'm on PTO.

they will still try to reach you on PTO. i had to let someone go on PTO years ago: i left him a message and he called me back on an airplane on a layover between flights with his family. there are no exceptions, notification day is notification day.

@cj that is so savage. Using you to do the dirty work then getting the same script thrown at you

I got rifed while stuck in traffic driving back from my mother’s funeral. The woman doctor who laid me and my team off knew I was returning home from my mom’s funeral because I told her. But with zero empathy she read her script, laying me off, harming my livelihood after 20 years of service at a company they acquired. I have lost all respect for people like the lady doctor who did this and hope the favor is returned to her and her family. This would be a nice learning experience for her though perhaps she too will be laid off. Karma and she’s from a culture where presumably karma is a big deal.

Point is to work here is to work at a place that has no heart, simply doesn’t care about you, and to think differently is either extremely stupid or delusional.

Decide to join, stay, or leave accordingly. And, BTW, each member of the laid off team is in a much better position than when our company was acquired. Much stress reduction, weight loss, and better money.

@OP don't make it easy on them. As a Director who was RIF'd, but not before having to let people go, it's a horrible thing to have to do....reading that stupid script like it was a bedtime story, acting nonchalant even though my heart was pounding out of my chest, then feeling like an overall miserable person. Make them suffer by having to talk to you.

I got the RIF call while on PTO moving. I think the only thing worse than losing your job while moving is losing your job while dealing with a death in the family. I've known that to happen too at Optum.

I wish I would have used my PTO before my RIF. I had 3 weeks saved and only got 1 week paid out so lost out on 2 weeks with my family.

@ap Zero chance of any delays. your end date will still be the same, 2 weeks.

@OP I'm on PTO too. I won't answer any calls. They do it on Monday morning. You'll not extend you end date though

@OP you wouldn't have lost your earned pto

Yep. Phone call. PTO/FMLA doesn't matter your cut. No extra time. Good luck. I was cut last RIF. Best thing that ever happened to me.

I got the call while getting back from vacation at the airport.

I’m taking a dump on the clock then going on PTO tomorrow.

I’m also on PTO this week. I assume I’ll still get laid off even if I don’t answer the phone, but could that potentially delay the layoff and get me a few extra days of pay?

Meaning if they can’t notify me until I get back next Monday, does the 2 weeks begin that Monday, or does the clock still start on Thursday?

They will try. Actually know one dude who survived a RIF because he was out of contact for 3 weeks, couldn't be notified, so they cut someone else. They have probably fixed that policy issue by now though.

Yes, it’s bye, bye time for all of us working fools.

I’m on STD/FMLA and hope they lay me off. I will answer that phone so fast.

They’ll call you and lay you off - it doesn’t matter if you’re on your death bed or pto. But don’t worry, they’ll thank you for all of your contributions.

@OP yes they will still let you go while on PTO.