Thread regarding 3M layoffs

If what I've read here about the current EAP is even closely the truth, then this company has devolved into a nightmare. The people I knew from EAP were some of the kindest and helpful and caring people you'd ever want to meet. These folks would rather resign than ever be part of a scheme to expose and torment an employee who had a vicious boss.

I met a few employees who were once part of East Germany before the fall of communism. It was common for someone would befriend you in order to later save their own hide and turn you in to the Stasi, where things never ended well. Pretending to be your friend (EAP) only to turn you in later? Please hopefully this didn't transfer to Solventum.

I love how EAP has a document in bathrooms about how to deal with performance issues with your boss. Haha. They're using fake performance issues as a way to false terminate and they're trying to make it seem like it's normal behavior. It's not. Document everything. We just had people in our dept. written up for performance when they don't have quotas. Lol. This place is desperately trying to fire.

I can confirm that EAP services are generally not 100% confidential:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offered by large companies are designed to provide confidential support to employees for various personal issues, such as mental health, substance abuse, and financial or legal problems. However, while these programs prioritize confidentiality, there are certain circumstances where information may not remain completely confidential and could potentially be shared, including in a court of law. These circumstances include:

Legal Requirements: If there is a legal obligation to disclose information, such as a court order or subpoena, EAP providers may be required to share specific details. This can occur in cases involving criminal investigations, lawsuits, or other legal proceedings.

Threats of Harm: If an employee expresses a threat to harm themselves or others, EAP counselors are generally mandated to report this to appropriate authorities to prevent harm. This duty to warn or protect overrides confidentiality agreements.

Child or Elder Abuse: EAP professionals are typically mandated reporters, meaning they must report any suspected abuse or neglect of children or elders to authorities, even if the information was shared in confidence.

Company Policy: Some EAPs might have specific policies that outline additional scenarios where confidentiality could be breached. Employees should review their company’s EAP policy to understand these specific conditions.

Employee Consent: If an employee gives explicit written consent for their information to be shared, the EAP can disclose information to designated parties. This might happen if the employee needs their EAP participation to be acknowledged for workplace accommodations or other support.

It is essential for employees to be aware of these exceptions to understand the limits of confidentiality in their EAP services. Generally, EAP providers are transparent about these limitations and inform employees upfront about the circumstances under which their information might be disclosed. If there are concerns, employees can seek clarification from their EAP provider about confidentiality policies before engaging with the services.

The most common experience with the Ethics & Compliance Team is the conclusion there is no issue. They are the three wise monkeys. The three wise monkeys are a Japanese pictorial maxim, embodying the proverbial principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". The three monkeys are:

Mizaru (見ざる), "does not see", covering his eyes
Kikazaru (聞かざる), "does not hear", covering his ears
Iwazaru (言わざる), "does not speak", covering his mouth.

Once they've disposed of your issue, they also document why you caused the issue or did not do enough. After documenting these alternative facts then 3M has great support and documentation in case you go to an attorney. Then because they meet with the people you reported, you are marked. Leadership is patient. They know that they can't retaliate immediately. Leadership will wait a year or two then take action. Not retaliation. Oh. Really? 🤔

I am definitely in trouble. I am a regular with EAP because of the abuse and harassment I am dealing with at 3M. I did put in a complaint with the Ethics and Compliance Team which was reviewed by HR. I learned the hard way we need to record all of our conversations with our managers, especially if we have a manager like mine who likes to yell at direct reports who are “different” and have more experience than them. My complaint was dismissed for lack of evidence.

Recently I heard a manager comment that one of direct reports went to EAP. Not sure how they knew that but if I had known my many appointments with EAP were made known to my abusive manager I would have paid for my own therapist.

Saying you have NBA caliber basketball skills does not equal actually having NBA caliber basketball skills.
Just play some ball....It will be measured

If you are still “safe “ for the moment I highly recommend you back up your laptop and files NOW. Keep a copy of everything you have done because if you are part of another layoff your laptop will be encrypted and you will not be able to save anything.
These guys talk about innovation and seem to know that it’s important but don’t like that it comes at a cost and usually end up doing nothing at all except more layoffs

@jrp+1swQsSD6
"Saw that video...both the interviewer and CEO really looks of old age. Wonder why this company is run by boomers?"
@jrp+1swQsSD6

Bill is a boomer and his reputation is clear. Quote on Bill's strategy. "many current and former Harris employees allege that Brown is cutting costs by getting rid of more experienced and more expensive engineers in favor of younger engineers with less experience."

@jrp+1swQsSD6, if you are younger and less experienced, you'll be fine.

I can attest to not feeling good about reporting anything unethical upward. Would have been a worthless venture with you being blackballed.

The old 3M has left the building.

3M EAP can help in my experience but you need to realize that if anything goes to litigation, everything you say or do will be used against you. You'll be told it's a confidential discussion . . . however, if there is a future case or litigation then it may become visible. There use to be a short notice on this verbally. Not sure if they still tell you or it is only in the fine print via links. If you are 1000% you will never have litigation with 3M or have a claim against 3M, still a good service. Be aware of the downside.

Saw that video...both the interviewer and CEO really looks of old age. Wonder why this company is run by boomers?

Pretty sad that even EAP can't be trusted, if this is true. Over the years, I knew of several people who got some very good personal and emotional support from the good people at EAP.

I can understand the apprehension though. Employees have been tormented by passive aggressive bosses, whom they themselves are being pressured by bosses who want to squash all discontent. Any chance where an abusive boss can be identified is a threat to the world order since Mcnerney. Inge institutionalized it.

There are good mental health experts outside that are a much safer option.

@ulj+1swQsSD6
"And never ever call the ethics hot line. That is a one-way trip to Hades for your career and mental health"

Agree, never never never ever call ethics hot line. I would add Leadership, HR, and EAP on the "DO NOT CALL" list. All hopelessly broken. Not only will they not help, they will be collecting information about you. Any reason or fact that weakens your complaint will be captured and used against you. Get a good attorney, report to government, or report to media.

talks are ongoing behind the scenes, there is is a major balancing act going on, looks as though Q2 results will determine certain departments being deleted before 2024. William has a lot of thinking to do, it is true what you say, if you are over 50, please get all your awards and certification sorted, all being done like there is no favortism for the older worker,

And never ever call the ethics hot line. That is a one-way trip to Hades for your career and mental health