After the Whirlwinds: Light from Layoff Uncertainty

As I celebrated my first anniversary with Eastman, little did I know that I was about to face weeks filled with a mix of emotional challenges. Upon arriving at the office one day, a surge of discomfort stuck in my stomach. As the day progressed, I was hit with the news I had anticipated but was still difficult to fully comprehend when it finally unfolded.

In January 2023, the company announced a 3% reduction in the workforce was looming ahead. The ripples of this announcement reached the Kingsport technology headquarter later in mid-February.

During the month-long period between the announcement and the actual layoffs, my mind raced with thoughts, contemplating the possibility of being among those affected. “I’ve had a really good year with Eastman, but if it had to be me, then so be it,” I thought, trying to find a positive outlook.

Regardless, I immersed myself in my regular work routine, trying to push these concerns to the back of my mind. But, lingering questions persisted: What criteria were being used to determine who would be let go? How would I respond if I or someone I know were affected? These uncertainties made me question my place and always ended with this doubt: Do I truly belong here?

As a relatively new employee, having no previous experience with layoffs, I found myself unsure of what to expect and even what questions to ask regarding the news. Even after the layoffs, the effects lingered. Longed for a deeper understanding, I reached out to the APEX community for their experience and thoughts.

Hold On Tight

K., one of the APEX chapter leaders, has been working in Eastman’s department for almost two years. If the face of the layoff news, K. acknowledged the management’s efforts to provide explanations and updates, fostering transparency during the process. This transparency, though appreciated, didn’t completely put an end to the questions and uncertainties.

“A lot of those decisions are out of the hands of our direct reports and bosses,” K. shared. As there were limitations to the information the management could provide, it became evident that striking the balance between transparency and immediate action was crucial.

D., one of the APEX team leaders based in Kingsport with five years of experience at Eastman, echoed similar sentiments. D. acknowledges the tough decisions management had to make and emphasized the importance that colleagues, friends, and supervisors can all play an important role in helping people cope with the emotional impact.

In response to the layoff execution, APEX organized several sessions dedicated to open discussions about employees’ feelings and emotions. These sessions encouraged core team members to share their experiences, moments of grief, and deeply emotional stories.

“That really helped me because you know you’re not the only one experiencing survivor’s guilt,” D. said. Realizing that others felt the same way she did provide reassurance and strengthened her belief that she could overcome the challenges.

Ride The Waves

K. stressed that leaders within the company should prioritize building trust and open communication channels with their teams during challenging times and in positive situations. She also encourages employees to be open and honest with their supervisors and to foster an environment where both parties can grow with each other.

“It’s really beneficial to see ERGs stepping in as personal resources for one another. It showcased a community of people coming together to provide support, no matter the circumstances,” K. said.

As life, both personally and professionally, has its highs and lows, it’s essential to make the most out of what comes our way and connect with colleagues and friends.

“It’s okay to feel affected by events,” D. said. “There’s no shame in sharing feelings and seeking help, as we are all social beings in need of support from those around us.”

As I concluded this article, I had the opportunity to host the APEX town hall, where I sat down with APEX champion and company VP Kellye Walker to discuss the well-being of our employees. Through the event and my personal one-on-one interviews with D. and K., one thing became clear: our employment status does not determine our worth.

When pressing the “join” button on the Teams platform to enter the first APEX core team session, I had no idea what to expect, only a loose sense of loss and confusion. But the power of community support caught me off guard. Recognizing that many situations are beyond an individual’s control, I re-learned the beauty of focusing on making the best out of the circumstances.

“I’ve been fortunate to experience a complete cycle of normal highs and lows in an organizational life throughout my first year,” I thought. “I’m becoming stronger for the years to come.”

(This is part of my writing for my company’s Asian and Pacific Island community newsletter. The interviewees’ names and departments are changed for privacy. #WritingWithCorporateCompany)