Overworked or job is threatened. - Anonymous employee Werfen Employee Review

Leadership is withholding compensation and advancement from people who are working incredibly hard to grow in their careers. Being told, “At least you haven’t been laid off,” is not a substitute for fair progression. Promotions appear to be delayed or withheld in a way that minimizes the need for formal layoffs. In practice, this creates conditions where high-performing employees eventually choose to leave on their own, allowing the company to reduce headcount without conducting visible workforce reductions or absorbing the associated costs. That approach is not as strategic as it may seem. If this continues, you risk losing the very people you want to retain. Additionally, I’ve seen colleagues in other departments impacted by layoffs. While I may not know them personally, it contributes to a broader sense of instability and concern across the organization. Layoffs happen here, they’re just more discrete.