Layoffs, PIPs and job hunting

“Dave and Priya are no longer with us... you're Dave and Priya now”

I survived a layoff and now I'm doing three people's jobs for the same pay.

What's really going on

• This is known as "survivor syndrome." People who keep their jobs after layoffs usually inherit heavier workloads and new duties with no extra resources or time to adjust, and studies show their productivity and morale tend to drop, not rise. "They'll be grateful and work harder" turns out to be wrong.
• Companies often pocket the salary they saved instead of passing any of it to the people absorbing that work, even though the budget for that work technically still exists.
• HR's own data suggests morale and productivity take anywhere from four months to over a year to recover after layoffs, while leadership often expects a full bounce-back in three months or less. If it still feels bad months later, that's normal, not a personal failing.
• None of this is automatically temporary. "We're just short-staffed right now" can quietly become the permanent shape of your job unless someone pushes back.

What to say

"Can I get your read on something? Since the layoffs I've picked up [specific responsibilities] on top of my own job. I'm glad to help, but I'd like to understand whether this is temporary or the new shape of my role."

Change the words so they sound like you, but keep the tone.

This one can have legal consequences. The guide gives general career guidance, not legal or HR advice. Before you sign anything or make a formal complaint, talk to a qualified professional where you live.