this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2026
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[–] Deconceptualist@leminal.space 39 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

This definitely sounds better than the headline indicated:

Just to clarify, Proton is not doing layoffs and using AI as an excuse. We actually have a big shortage of talent and are actively hiring across the org: https://proton.me/careers#jobslist [...] we’re in the process of figuring out who among our existing colleagues are the best future leaders, assessing whether everyone has the skills they need to take a step forward in a post-AI world, and making sure we are offering the support that is necessary, to those who need it, to succeed.

However the actual letter to employees seems to undermine it (emphasis added):

That review may lead to changes in roles, responsibilities, and continued employment. Individual outcomes will be communicated directly once decisions are finalized.

Hey managers, don't do this shit. If they had just stopped at "may lead to changes in roles and responsibilities" this would probably be fine, people understand that team structures sometimes need to change or modernize. But don't lie to your employees and tell them it's not about layoffs when that is in fact a possible outcome. If you need to do some layoffs, it should be entirely separate and part of the normal performance eval process, not done via some BS re-interview under a team who probably doesn't even understand the work.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 13 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

Yeah, it seems to obvious to me that you should never say something like "this could affect your continued employment," even if it's true! That means that all of the staff are worried about their jobs, even ones you have no plans to lay off at all. Such a shitty thing to say, causing unnecessary stress to everyone. It totally feels like a threat. I've been through a similar (but honestly worse) mismanagement scenario at work, and I still 100% trust the company less, even though I'm still here 2 years later.

[–] decolo@piefed.social 7 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

I expect this entire situation is a way to get people to quit voluntarily and gain leverage over people who remain via increased workload/threat of further layoffs.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 6 points 9 hours ago

Yeah, it's undeniably hostile and will not make for the best working environment.