Get All Access for $5/mo

'Makes Me Sick': Man Goes Viral After Exposing Impersonal Nature of Layoffs One TikToker is starting a conversation around widespread layoffs and how impersonal they can be.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

It's been a year of many layoffs across many industries, and one TikToker is shining a light on just how impersonal these widespread layoffs can be.

TikToker @elazie1 posted a video of his final company call, a three-way video chat with his manager and HR that's now been viewed over 10.9 million times. In the video, he jokingly asks if the call is about him getting promoted.

Spoiler alert: It was not.

@elazie1

Its realky fun to get layed off and i had a really good time

♬ original sound - Elazie

"Evan, thanks for your time today. So, you know, basically, in an effort to reduce costs, we are restructuring our business," a person on the video says. "And that has resulted in the elimination number of positions in the marketing team. And unfortunately, your position has been impacted."

He was told that he would be paid through December 23 and that the following day would be his last with the company.

People flooded the comments calling the delivery of the news "impersonal" and accused the manager of reading off a script.

Related: The Simple 4-Step Process That Will Help You Avoid Layoffs

"Ugh they're literally so robotic and unempathetic, makes me sick," one user expressed. "I'm so sorry, you deserve so much better."

"Any company that lays individuals off this close to the holidays deserves the worst fate," one even said.

In a follow-up video, Evan said he feels like the "Paul Revere of the recession" — his video is a warning to others who might soon find themselves in his position. He also revealed that he was given four weeks of severance.

"Being able to respond like this in this situation is a sign of strength," one user said. "Wishing you good things, best of luck."

The TikToker did not reveal the name of his former employer.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Science & Technology

5 Rule-Bending AI Hacks to Make Your Mornings More Productive and Profitable

By 2025, AI will transform productivity by streamlining workflows and cutting costs. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are leading the way, advancing AI into "Phase 3," where tools act as digital assistants. Discover 5 AI hacks to boost efficiency and redefine your daily routine.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.