Oracle laid off nearly 30,000 staff earlier this year, sending a 6am email to inform impacted employees. Days later, a former employee shared a LinkedIn post claiming that the job cuts 'follow an algorithm of high level individual contributors and mid-level managers.' The post has since gone viral.
Ex-Employee's Viral LinkedIn Post
The post was shared by Nina Lewis, who according to her LinkedIn profile worked as a Security Alert Manager at Oracle for over 33 years. Nina was among the many employees laid off by Oracle. She said the news came as a shock, and her message resonated with others affected.
What the Laid Off Employee Wrote
'Well, after 30+ years at Oracle, I join the 30,000 or so laid off today. Quite a shock. Many of the absolute best colleagues were laid off as well. It seems (BUT I DON'T KNOW), maybe, layoffs follow an algorithm of high level individual contributors and mid-level managers - especially those with outstanding stock options. Not sure what to do next, if anything. Open to ideas.'
Reactions and Discussion
Nina Lewis' post struck a chord with many users on LinkedIn. One user commented: 'Sorry to hear this — situations like this always hit hard. Out of curiosity (only if you're comfortable sharing), was there any transparency behind the layoffs? There's a growing narrative that these decisions are becoming more algorithm-driven, especially around cost and stock exposure — wondering how true that felt from the inside.'
Another user wrote: 'Happy to see an acknowledgement that giant organizations like Oracle do have such algorithms and carefully identify the employees with outstanding stock options. It ensures the employees with outstanding contributions to the organizations are not randomly fired.'
A third user said: 'Hi there, Nina, I also received “the email.” I was just shy of my 30 yr anniversary. While I never directly worked with you, I know of your work and reputation. Whether you retire or take on a new endeavor, I know you'll land. Please take care of yourself. I'm so sorry.'
