Long-time (Viacom legacy) employee here. Yesterday was very stressful for all of us. Personally, I lost 5 colleagues in my department and at least that many in other departments I work with on a daily basis. It s—s. It’s also obvious that contrary to what is said almost all lay-offs are based on personal prejudices, favoritism, etc. (Much like promotions). It’s also interesting how each time this occurs anyone with the letters VP (or preceded by an E- or S-) usually stay safe. Our old/new company has so many execs its mind-boggling.
I agree that the E&Y brands success is an illusion and the two new channels added under CM will probably be gutted / destroyed like Logo-TV.
I’ve been to HR more than my share of times during my time here with issues regarding promotions, biases, treatment of employees.
I say these to acknowledge Viacom had its issues before (and after) the merger. It is not perfect and there have been missteps regarding employee treatment.
However, I feel that the nefarious motives some want to assign to top management is misguided.
Layoffs during the pandemic? Any number of negative adjectives apply here. However, we must keep in mind there are millions of others who have been laid off as well. (They just announced another 3.8 million are unemployed.) And most of them got zero in the way of severance packages and health insurance coverage. (Not to mention may of our production partners have let staff and PBE’s go without any help.) I am heartbroken, angry and depressed to see my friends and co-workers go. But those I spoke to were all thankful that they at least have severance to help them out post-Viacom during this crazy time.
We also had the option to work remotely before the company wide mandate went through on March 12th. I would argue management has kept our safety and well-being at the forefront especially here in the NY area. Could things have been done different or earlier? Possibly. But we are lucky. Look at all the front line workers who were working without the necessary protective gear. Or all the employees of the meat packing plants who are forced to keep working though the virus has spread through their ranks like wildfire.
For those of us who have been here over 5 years – Bob has been 1000x the leader PD ever was regarding employee treatment.
We still had summer Fridays even though it was constantly argued that was inefficient and a money waster. Not to mention most other companies don’t have such a perk. Yes, I realize who knows if that will be the case this summer.
I’ve had colleagues go through personal trauma from loss of a spouse/parent/child to having to manage life-threatening diseases. Not once were they ever told to deal with their situation and get back to work; manage their grief better or get over it. Unlike other companies I’ve worked at or have those close to me have.
Yesterday was yet another horrid day for us in losing so many friends and colleagues. It was stressful and traumatic.
But to come on here and want a reporter to “expose” the company’s mistreatment of employees? To state the company doesn’t care about its employees at all? These are hyperbolic statements.
Let’s try to keep some perspective during these difficult times.
Finally, to anyone who is feeling the company is misbehaving. What are you personally doing to make the situation better? Are you treating your co-workers with dignity and respect? If you manage someone – are you being fair, a good leader and have the best interest of your direct reports in mind? Do you do as asked by your manager or do you gripe, grumble and constantly push back?
We may not be able to change the larger picture but each one of us can start with our own part of the company. Then maybe things will change above.
To those of you who were let go yesterday Viacom or CBS – may you fulfill your next dream or continue on the ideal path of your life. You were loved and cared about and you will be missed.
To those of us remaining, let us grieve, feel our emotions and most important use all the tools at our disposal to make this company the best it can be so that our friends leaving is not in vain. (Yes, those tools include this website.)
No, I'm not from HR, a toadie for senior management or the like. Just an average employee.
May you and yours be safe during these crazy times.