Layoff euphemisms

November 9, 2009
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Border’s announcement today that it will close 200 Waldenbooks locations, including the one in Greenwood Park Mall, amounted to yet another layoff notice as the economy continues to sputter.

Approximately 1,500 positions, mostly part-time, will be affected by the “right-sizing,” Borders warned.

Borders actually used the “L” word, “layoff,” in the release, so it was more honest than some. At least “smartsized,” “streamlined,” “offboarded” and some of the other euphemisms were absent.

Why do so many corporations beat around the bush? Butler University professor Ed Kanis thinks corporations are inherently uncomfortable with direct language.

Kanis, who headed communications for Louisville-based Kindred Healthcare as it went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization several years ago, says human resources departments in particular are euphemism factories.

“You’re always trying to deliver messages in the most sensitive way possible,” he says. But, “Professionals get it. It’s somewhat of a cop-out not to be direct.”

Euphemisms aren’t going away, Kanis says. If for no other reason, “Spanglish” words understood to both English and Spanish speakers will emerge. “Every year the wordsmiths among us come up with new language.”

How do you feel about layoff euphemisms? Any favorites?

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  • IndymanNovember 9, 2009 1:31 PM
    For me, "The company was going in a different direction", whatever that means. Does not matter, I got a much better job while my former employer is now using the "L" word as they eliminate more of my former coworkers.

    They really need to ditch the warm and fuzzy feel good words and be blunt about it. You were either laid off or fired. Not all of these euphemisms that do not fool anyone.
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  • Sensitivity?
    Cathy StraussNovember 9, 2009 2:03 PM
    I wasn't "laid off". My "position was eliminated".
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  • Excuse
    KyleNovember 9, 2009 2:35 PM
    "In an effort for the company to achieve profitability this quarter, we had to X, Y, and Z."
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  • Thinking Outside of the Box
    Ben FiredNovember 9, 2009 3:00 PM
    This was the explanation that I received: Our company was contemplating a way to maximize profibility in the 3rd quarter. In order to strike while the iron is hot, we had to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas and therefore we are going a different direction with your position.
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  • Never say "you're fired"
    UninspiredNovember 10, 2009 10:29 AM
    My old company used to say, "we are encouraging you to be successful elsewhere". Love it.
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  • Sensitivity? p2
    JoeNovember 10, 2009 10:51 AM
    I was in the same situation as Cathy to a tee, but found out 6 months later, they are rehiring for the same position in which I was let go for. Lets face it, It was a short term Layoff for the position in which later could bring the position back without bringing the employee back. End Result, I went back to school and getting a cert and now at a job which pays much better than what they would have offered if they would come back and rehire me.
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