Are Indian IT layoffs justified or exploitative?

I have seen both sides of the coin when it comes to layoffs. In my opinion, the recent wave of layoffs in the Indian IT sector is more exploitative than justified.

First off, let's be real, the IT industry in India has always been about cost-cutting and maximizing profits. Companies often hire in bulk when they get new projects, but the moment there's a slight dip in revenue or a project gets shelved, employees are shown the door. It's like we're just numbers on a spreadsheet, easily replaceable. This kind of treatment is not just unfair, it's downright inhumane.

I remember a time when my team was working on a critical project for a US-based client. We were putting in crazy hours, sacrificing weekends and personal time. Just when we thought we had nailed it, the client decided to pull the plug due to budget cuts. Within a week, half of my team was laid off. No warning, no severance, just a "thank you for your service" email. It was heartbreaking to see talented, hardworking people being treated like disposable assets.

On the other hand, I do understand that businesses need to stay afloat and sometimes tough decisions have to be made. But the way these layoffs are executed is what makes it exploitative. There's no transparency, no communication, and definitely no empathy. It's all about protecting the bottom line, even if it means ruining lives and careers.

Moreover, the timing of these layoffs is often suspicious. They usually happen right before appraisals or bonus payouts, which makes you wonder if it's just a tactic to save money. I've seen colleagues who were promised promotions and raises, only to be laid off a week before the appraisal cycle. It's like a slap in the face after all the hard work and dedication.

In conclusion, while I understand that layoffs are sometimes necessary, the way they are handled in the Indian IT sector is far from justifiable. It's high time companies start valuing their employees as more than just resources and show some basic human decency. Until then, these layoffs will continue to feel more exploitative than anything else.