ByteDance, the parent company of popular social media app TikTok, is facing backlash from employees who were recently laid off in a round of cost-cutting measures. The layoffs have sparked concerns over the company’s internal work culture, with some former employees sharing their experiences of working long hours and being assigned critical projects without clear strategies or explanations.
One former employee spoke out anonymously, describing the company’s layoff process as “impersonal” and expressed shock at being notified via email from ChatGPT. The worker said they had worked extensive hours for global meetings and were frequently given last-minute projects with no clear strategy or explanation.
The employee also raised serious concerns about workplace discrimination, unsanitary facilities, and lax protocols surrounding the handling of personally identifiable information (PII) of American users. These allegations have long been under scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers.
Many former employees are now left wondering what comes next in terms of severance packages and job security. “There’s been no clarity on severance or next steps,” one employee said. The company has assured those laid off that they will receive 2 months of severance pay, but many are skeptical about the transparency of this process.
The internet is abuzz with comments from users, some of whom have expressed support for the layoffs, while others have raised concerns and questioned the company’s practices.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/they-sent-me-a-chatgpt-email-laid-off-bytedance-employee-calls-out-companys-toxic-culture/3902163