AM I NEXT? IS THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL AT WEBER?

Palatine, Illinois-based Weber, the iconic smoker, barbecue grill, cookware, and accessories manufacturer and distributor, has announced a reorganization and a major change in management driven by post-pandemic market and financial conditions.

The company replaced CEO Chris Scherzinger with current Chief Technology Officer and former Royal Dutch Shell senior executive Alan Matula as interim CEO while the company conducts a search for a permanent CEO.

Further details of an operational reorganization and a reduction in force are forthcoming on August 15, 2022, when the company reports its fiscal third-quarter results.

As with all CEO replacements, it is inevitable for the new executive team to severely reduce expenses, especially headcounts, to signal their value to the Board and Wall Street.

According to a company spokesperson, “We are taking decisive action to better position Weber to navigate historic macroeconomic challenges, including inflationary and supply chain pressures that are impacting consumer confidence, spending patterns, and margins.”

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? LAYOFFS AT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION (03/13/24)

MARCH 13, 2024 — MASS LAYOFF AHEAD?

"Whirlpool Corporation has announced that the company is moving to a more simplified and focused organizational model to support its continued transformation into a high-growth, high-margin business that will enable its long-term success. The company will shift to a decentralized model with more autonomous business units and a leaner, more strategic corporate center."

“Different from other organizational changes, the company is focused on changing the work and is adapting a two-wave approach, allowing leaders closer to the work to own the organizational design of the future. The company believes this diligent and purposeful approach will enable a better organizational design in alignment with the future needs of the business.”

“The first wave impacts are being shared today, focusing on the top layers of the organization and select areas of work - including changes to roles, work scopes, and in some cases elimination of positions. The second wave will focus on the rest of the organization, and those changes will be shared no later than early May. Impacted employees will receive transition support, including a comprehensive severance compensation package and other services. While these are not easy choices, we know they are required to secure the long-term success of the company.”

JUNE 13, 2022 — Original post…

Benton Harbor, Michigan-based Whirlpool Corporation, a manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, has announced a major cost-cutting initiative companywide.

Phase one will be to solicit 400 voluntary temporary layoffs, possibly followed by my mandatory permanent layoffs.

According to a company spokesperson, "Our 15,000 U.S. manufacturing employees in our nine plants across the U.S. have been working tirelessly to meet consumer needs. Like other companies across the globe, Whirlpool Corporation is impacted by macro and geopolitical events leading to operational disruptions and constraints. To align our production schedule to the current supply-restrained environment, we previously scheduled down days for all hourly employees at our Marion operations in early June and are currently in the process of voluntary, temporary layoffs for some staff. We are focused on overcoming these challenges and to provide for our consumers who need our appliances to clean, cook and provide proper food and medicine storage in their homes."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?