Thread regarding Lowe's Cos. layoffs

All of this change, and Lowes is keeping the APSA Leader, the FSM, and the (whatever stupid acronym for PSE/PSI Area Manager)? Those positions make almost 6 figures. Their jobs seems to be to figure out ways to make themselves seem relevant. Often, failing in their endeavors.

I was one of the department managers who got caught up in the restructuring. I off course applied for the service manager position and didn't get it. Of the five who were hired, one has only worked on the floor for a little over a year and is probably around 22- 25 years old and another is only 21. One has already left for another job. I am 35 and taught elementary school for ten years before transitioning to Lowe's. I worked​ my way up from part time stocker, to plumbing pro, sales specialist, plumbing dm, and then flooring dm. Was beaten out by the two people who had only worked on the floor for two years at most. Also two other department managers, who didn't get a service spot, one had been at Lowe's for 25 years and a dm for 15 and the other 19 years and dm 10, were beaten out by these two employees. It all boils down to cutting the larger salaries for employees who are paid less. Our store morale is absolutely horrible. 80% of employees are generally disengaged and have come to resent these two employees because they are being lead by people who are inexperienced and basically spies for our upper management. There are also numerous employees who call in in excess of 5-6 times a month and somehow still have jobs. We are completely understaffed as a store. I basically still do all if the same things I did as a dm except I am not eligible for a raise and will be gone when my year runs out. Lowe's has created a system where all csa fives have no opportunity to go up. The only positions that come up are a significant step down. Lowe's is not the company I started with three years ago. I am currently trying to get back to teaching and leave the negativity and favoritism as quick as I can. Customers can since the low morale and also can see the lack of staffing becoming a problem. When I started it was nothing to do million dollar weeks. Those days are long gone. Even in a small market we used to be a top two store in the region. Lowe's made a bad decision and it looks like they are going to continue to trim the workforce and hire part time youngsters who regularly miss work and have no idea what they are doing. Rant over.

What is truly absurd is this destructive behavior is allowed to go on. The problem is if you as a leader do not follow the leader and drink the Kool aid, they find a way to get rid of you (example SERVE model behavior) and any deviation is grounds to be walked out. The recent layoffs will only hurt us long term as the perception of the general customers is shipping jobs offshore is anti American and many will go to our competitor. THD continues to shine during all of the weather issues that seem to always be the reason for our failure. They should just admit this was a complete F up and own it instead of ignoring it. Many people actually respect people that say "I am sorry. We tried something and it just did not work". These leaders just hide under a big umbrella every quarter at the cost of us, the workforce and shareholders, that is completely inexcusable and all of us should be completely outraged that no one at their level cares. If they did, they would grow a set and do something before it is too late.

I've been a dept manager, ASM and now service manager. I found a much better opportunity and put in my 2 weeks. After 14 years of service its clear that I and many of my employees no longer share the same values as Lowes....... My store is in shambles, littered with freight and debrie. I truly feel for my fellow associate's. Best advice I have is jump ship, you deserve better. Lowes misses Larry Stone.