Something that is redundant is not needed, it’s a descriptive term. Layoff is a relatively recent US euphemism meaning relax or rest which became associated with non-working periods for seasonal work then evolved to cover redundancies. The US term is the weird one here.
To me, “redundancy” means someone you don’t need, as in, their job is worthless, and “layoff” means the company can’t afford to keep everyone, so they’re temporarily reducing the workforce. What we see so often isn’t either of those, it’s just headcount reduction or downsizing.
Redundant doesn’t mean worthless. It means that you have a duplicate or something, or someone is already doing the job that you are doing. Your work still is worth something, it’s just not needed anymore.
I think it implies the company is continuing on but that job is no longer a position at the company. Redundant or unnecessary as opposed to a position that they intend to fill again, as you would with a firing.
Yeah, layoffs feel temporary (like furloughed government employees). I dislike both terms though, I prefer “downsizing” or something like that to clearly indicate that it’s not temporary and your job wasn’t worthless, it’s just that the company needs fewer people employed to meet budget targets.
Why do the British call it “redundancies”. Seems like a weird way of saying we’re laying people off
Something that is redundant is not needed, it’s a descriptive term. Layoff is a relatively recent US euphemism meaning relax or rest which became associated with non-working periods for seasonal work then evolved to cover redundancies. The US term is the weird one here.
They’re both poor terms.
To me, “redundancy” means someone you don’t need, as in, their job is worthless, and “layoff” means the company can’t afford to keep everyone, so they’re temporarily reducing the workforce. What we see so often isn’t either of those, it’s just headcount reduction or downsizing.
In IT, redundancy can mean reserve, or back up; something extra in case something broke.
Redundant doesn’t mean worthless. It means that you have a duplicate or something, or someone is already doing the job that you are doing. Your work still is worth something, it’s just not needed anymore.
Interesting! I see your point, appreciate it
I think it implies the company is continuing on but that job is no longer a position at the company. Redundant or unnecessary as opposed to a position that they intend to fill again, as you would with a firing.
Lay off is weirder imo.
Yeah, layoffs feel temporary (like furloughed government employees). I dislike both terms though, I prefer “downsizing” or something like that to clearly indicate that it’s not temporary and your job wasn’t worthless, it’s just that the company needs fewer people employed to meet budget targets.