The woman had noticed that many people were sharing their tragic news of being laid off online. Of all the people, she noticed 2 factors common among most people.
The job market is getting worse. There are endless stories of toxic workplaces and managers and unjust policies that go around. Many employees are laid off for the most ridiculous reasons and several social media platforms are used by former employees to share their unfortunate stories. TikTok user @pastperfectwithyaya shared a video with an eye-opening observation that any employee may relate to. She revealed that there could be a possible criterion for people being let go and could be an underlying cause for something greater. In her TikTok video, she mentioned that she noticed two things about people getting laid off.
“More and more people are getting laid off and I noticed two things,” the woman said. She then revealed, “People of color and women.” She then compared the scenarios and mentioned that people who are laid off are often women and people of color compared to those who are employed and have their jobs safe. She added that there were comparatively more white men whose jobs were secure. While she acknowledged that some white men are getting laid off too, the majority vouched for people of the former categories. The woman added a reference to affirmative action. The term refers to a policy that provides opportunities for various diverse people, per Investopedia.
Affirmative action has been used widely in the corporate and educational sectors to increase inclusivity. However, the woman mentioned that ever since the same was removed, she saw an increase in women and people of color getting laid off. “It must be in my head, but women and people of color are the only ones posting,” she said. Quite a few commenters began to notice factuality in what the woman was saying. @womacki said, “I was laid off in March. Out of 140 people, most of them were people of color and women.” @jencavalli said, “I got laid off from my job last year. I’ve noticed this too!”
The woman’s perspective held truth to an extent but sparked a debate about the affirmative action policy’s efficiency in the first place. She shared a follow-up video replying to a comment. “I would love, love, love for somebody to study the race and gender of people being laid off,” she said. She again pointed out that diversity hires were majorly being laid off, “especially women. I’m not saying white men aren’t getting laid off. But I want to see how many white men are staying and how many people of color or women are being let go,” she concluded.
People are asking many questions about the job market, its policies, management and more due to the rapidly increasing layoffs, frivolous treatment and so on. Commenters were convinced that the woman’s point of view was accurate, given their personal experiences. Many even complained about the treatment they’re given due to work policies. Others shared how they or someone they know were laid off, being people of color or women themselves. @ladyvalentine214 added,” Don’t forget that older people 45 and up are being laid off too.” @l.e.phant95 said, “GEICOs largest regional office in Macon, Georgia, had a massive layoff. Many of them were minorities and women!”