CoRecursive: Coding Stories

Episode: Story: Inside Shopify's Layoffs
Host: Adam Gordon Bell
Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction

In this poignant episode of CoRecursive: Coding Stories, host Adam Gordon Bell, a seasoned software developer, delves into the emotionally charged experience of layoffs within the tech industry. Centering around his personal encounter with layoffs and featuring insights from Allison, a Director at Shopify with extensive experience in handling organizational downsizing, the episode offers a candid exploration of the human side of corporate restructuring.

Personal Experiences with Layoffs

Adam begins by sharing his own unsettling experience of being part of a layoff at Earthly. He recounts the nerve-wracking moment of delivering the news to his colleague, Josh, whom he admired both professionally and personally.

• Adam Gordon Bell [00:00]:
  "Imagine this. You're sitting in a Zoom call, heart pounding... it's a layoff... I felt like I had let somebody down and done something wrong."

This personal narrative sets the stage for understanding the deep emotional impact layoffs can have on both those who stay and those who are let go.

Allison's Early Career and First Layoffs

Allison shares her initial foray into the workforce during a telecom downturn at Tropic Networks. Her first encounter with layoffs left her grappling with survivor's guilt and uncertainty about her career trajectory.

• Allison [04:02]:
  "Every day you would hear stories... people were moving back out of the city. So it was a very strange, strange time."

She describes witnessing the abrupt departure of her mentor, Mark, highlighting the suddenness and emotional toll of such events.

• Allison [05:22]:
  "I was left sitting there feeling very uncomfortable... seeing their coffee cup sitting there still steaming because it was morning time."

Career Progression and Multiple Layoffs

As Allison's career advances, she experiences the cyclical nature of layoffs, particularly within the defense industry where contract wins and losses directly influence employment stability. She emphasizes the pervasive anxiety among employees continually fearing job insecurity.

• Allison [07:04]:
  "Survivor's guilt goes hand in hand with imposter syndrome... it's our way of coping."

Her narrative underscores the detrimental effects of constant layoffs on employee morale and productivity.

Managing Layoffs as a Director at Shopify

Transitioning to her role at Shopify, Allison discusses her responsibilities in orchestrating layoffs, a task made more challenging by the personal connections and the gravity of delivering such news.

• Allison [17:22]:
  "It's not enjoyable at all. There's nothing... you're just there to deliver terrible news."

She highlights Shopify's compassionate approach, such as creating a dedicated Slack channel for goodbyes, which aids in humanizing the process and maintaining positive relationships post-layoff.

• Allison [24:37]:
  "We actually did have a space where people could go and they could tell their colleagues that they would miss them... That was really nice."

Tips for Navigating Downturns and Layoffs

Allison offers valuable strategies for both managers and employees to navigate layoffs effectively:

1. Be Present and Empathetic:
   Prioritize the emotional well-being of affected individuals over procedural formalities.

   • Allison [20:42]:
     "You have to remember it's not about you... just be present for the person, the colleague, the human that you're talking to."

2. Facilitate Support Networks:
   Encourage the formation of support systems, such as referral spreadsheets, to assist those impacted in finding new opportunities.

   • Allison [27:13]:
     "At Shopify, we saw people creating different spreadsheets... It was really a grassroots thing that happened."

3. Reprioritize and Refocus:
   Post-layoff, reassess and adjust project priorities to align with the reduced workforce, ensuring remaining teams understand their value and the importance of their work.

   • Allison [28:11]:
     "We canceled a lot of projects. We reprioritized things as a company... focusing on what truly matters."

4. Promote Autonomy and Choice:
   Empower employees by acknowledging their preferences and aspirations, even amidst restructuring.

   • Allison [34:00]:
     "I want to give as much autonomy to people as I can... help them with their opportunities going forward."

Closing Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Allison reflects on the resilience required to overcome layoffs and the importance of maintaining strong professional networks. Adam echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the value of community and mutual support in the tech industry.

• Adam Gordon Bell [41:05]:
  "Reach out and say hi, see how people are. Let's embrace change and continue to just build a resilient community together."

The episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the human dimensions behind corporate decisions, offering both solace and practical advice to those navigating the turbulent waters of layoffs.

Key Takeaways

• Emotional Impact: Layoffs deeply affect both those who are let go and those who remain, often leading to feelings of guilt and imposter syndrome.
• Compassionate Management: Effective handling of layoffs requires empathy, clear communication, and support systems to help affected employees transition smoothly.
• Community Support: Building and maintaining strong professional networks can provide invaluable support during career transitions.
• Resilience and Adaptation: Companies must adapt to changing circumstances by reprioritizing goals and empowering employees to navigate new challenges effectively.

For more insightful stories and experiences from the world of software development, subscribe to CoRecursive: Coding Stories and stay connected with the people behind the code.