The rise of TikTok layoff videos marks a new trend that is taking the digital world by storm. With mass layoffs becoming more frequent, particularly in the tech industry, many employees are turning to social media platforms like TikTok to document their personal experiences. These videos offer a window into the difficult moments when individuals are informed they no longer have a job, often delivered through impersonal Zoom calls or emails.
The concept of employees recording and sharing their layoff experiences on TikTok may seem strange at first, but it is quickly becoming a significant trend. As the workplace evolves, especially with the increase in remote work, the way people process layoffs is changing. Many employees feel that the corporate approach to dismissals has become cold and automated. In response, individuals are using platforms like TikTok to regain some sense of control over an experience that often leaves them feeling powerless.
The Growing Popularity of TikTok Layoff Videos
The practice of filming and uploading layoff calls gained attention in recent months, with several notable cases bringing the trend to the forefront. For example, Brittany Pietsch, a former account executive at Cloudflare, decided to record her dismissal over a video call. Sensing that she was about to lose her job, Pietsch turned on her camera and captured the entire conversation. She later posted the video on TikTok, where it quickly went viral. Her bold move drew both praise and criticism from online communities.
Brittany Pietsch, an Account Executive at @Cloudflare records her layoff experience. pic.twitter.com/agvL46fPcU
— The Layoff Tracker 🚨 (@WhatLayoff) January 11, 2024
In another TikTok video, a woman was shown being laid off from Deloitte, where she was informed of the reasons for the termination of her position and the procedures that would follow.
This woman from Deloitte got a lot of attention when she filmed herself getting laid off.
Let’s see what happens this week at PwC! pic.twitter.com/NdoMr7M5h9
— GBR, LLC (@GayBearRes) October 9, 2024
In a similar case, Chloe Shih, a product manager at Discord, also shared her layoff experience on TikTok. Shih was one of the 17% of employees laid off at the company, and her video resonated with many who had gone through similar experiences. As these videos went viral, they sparked a conversation about the treatment of employees during layoffs, particularly in the remote work era.
While these videos offer a sense of solidarity to those affected by layoffs, they have also raised questions about professionalism and the potential consequences for the individuals sharing their stories. Critics argue that posting such videos could damage the creators’ reputations and harm their chances of finding future employment. However, supporters of the trend believe that it helps hold companies accountable for the way they handle layoffs, especially when the process lacks transparency and compassion.
Why Employees Are Turning to TikTok
For many employees, layoffs are a painful and isolating experience. The rise of remote work has added a new layer of disconnection to the process, with many workers being let go through impersonal Zoom calls or emails. In some cases, employees are dismissed by people they have never met, making the experience even more confusing and detached.
TikTok offers a platform for employees to share their frustrations and seek validation from others who have gone through similar experiences. In the past, layoffs were often seen as a private matter, something to be dealt with quietly and alone. However, with the rise of social media, that stigma is fading. Employees now feel more comfortable sharing their stories and creating a sense of community around an otherwise lonely experience.
The act of filming a layoff and posting it online can also be seen as a form of protest. Employees who feel that their dismissals were unfair or poorly handled use these videos to demand accountability from their employers. In some cases, companies have responded to the videos, acknowledging mistakes and promising to improve their processes.
