American telecommunications mammoth Verizon has delivered a shock to employees after announcing the largest layoff exercise in the company's history, which is going to affect more than 13,000 roles. After which the ex-CEO of Verizon Business has penned a touching message for those affected.
Former Verizon boss Tami Erwin, who served the company for over three decades before resigning in 2022, posted the message on LinkedIn, which has gone viral since.
She wrote, "The news this week that Verizon will lay off more than 13,000 employees has weighed on me deeply. As I reflect on it tonight, on a quiet Friday night, I’m thinking about the people behind the headlines. After 35 years with the company, from customer service rep to CEO of Verizon Business, I know how profoundly this will be felt across the V Team."
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While accepting the changes technology has brought forth, Erwin further wrote, "Yes, technology is reshaping everything. AGI, quantum computing, robotics, and intelligent networks will redefine how we live, work, and play. The direction is right. But here’s the truth: Technology doesn’t transform a company. People do."
Expressing her compassion towards the laid-off employees, she wrote, "Give yourself permission to grieve. A job is identity, relationships, and pride. Losing it is personal. Take time to define what matters next. Your Verizon experience is meaningful and will open doors."
Drawing on her time spent at the telecommunications giant and her three-decade-long stint, she wrote, "I'm forever grateful for the people, the mission, and the privilege of serving alongside the V Team. However, that's just chapter one. As someone who left Verizon 3 years ago, I can tell you that your next chapter will be equally as fulfilling!"
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Encouraging the affected employees not to feel dejected, but to strive for higher peaks, Erwin wrote, "Hold your head high. No one can take away the impact you’ve had. Build a framework for your next chapter - and go forth and conquer."
She concluded her post with a hopeful message, "Your story isn’t ending - it’s evolving. And I’m cheering for you, always."
As Verizon is hit with a decreasing number of customers, the company has denied that the layoffs were linked to its shift towards the integration of artificial intelligence, according to Reuters. However, the company has plans to cut down its non-union workforce in the United States, which employs around 100,000 people.
