Layoffs Are Traumatizing Dammit

Layoffs aren't career setbacks—they're traumatic events. And we've normalized them to the point where companies casually include them in business plans. Beverly breaks down why this matters, what it costs, and what needs to change.

What you'll learn:

• The research on layoff trauma: Why job loss causes psychological harm even without financial crisis—and why American workers suffer more than workers in other countries

• Signs layoffs are coming: The patterns senior leaders don't want you to recognize—sudden "efficiency" focus, hiring freezes, mysterious consultants, and restructuring announcements

• The terminology games: Why companies use "restructuring" instead of "layoffs"—and the HR loophole this creates

• Leadership perspective: Beverly shares her experience conducting three layoffs and why each one traumatized her—plus what ethical leaders do differently

• The strategic layoff problem: Companies that include layoffs in annual business plans, lay off workers then rehire, or conduct Q4 layoffs to hit margins while announcing executive bonuses

• Accountability we need: Specific legislation and corporate policies that would prevent layoffs from being used as strategic business tools

• What to do right now: Practical steps if you've been laid off or you're seeing warning signs

Beverly brings research from the Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Vocational Behavior, and Rutgers University unemployment studies—not just opinion, but evidence that layoffs traumatize people and we need systemic change.

For employees navigating layoff anxiety or recovering from job loss. For leaders who've had to conduct layoffs and were affected by it. For anyone who believes corporations need accountability for how they treat workers.

The uncomfortable truth: Beverly has conducted layoffs. Each time was traumatizing. And what she can't comprehend is how this has become an expected aspect of business—how executives discuss eliminating 200 positions like they're discussing vendor contracts.

We need to stop using euphemisms that distance us from the human cost. We need transparency about which companies conduct strategic layoffs. We need financial penalties for companies that lay off workers then rehire for the same roles. We need to recognize that if you have money for stock buybacks, you have money to keep people employed.

This isn't about making business harder. This is about recognizing that we've prioritized "business flexibility" over human beings for decades—and it's not working for anyone except shareholders and executives.

If you've been laid off: The trauma is real. You're not broken. The system is broken.

If you're a leader: Let your discomfort with layoffs drive you to advocate for better practices.

If you want change: Demand accountability. Support worker protections. Share stories. Vote for policies that prioritize people over profits.

Layoffs are traumatizing dammit. It's time we stopped pretending they're not.

Part of "How To Give A Damn About Your Workplace"—where we demand better from corporate America.

You're not expendable. You're valuable. And you deserve better.

Give a Damn About Your Next 30 Days - Why Honoring Yourself Changes Everything

The people who transform their workplace situations aren't more talented or luckier. They're more consistent. Beverly breaks down why honoring a 30-day commitment changes everything—and how to actually do it.

What you'll learn:

• Why 30 days of consistency builds the foundation for 90 days of results

• How same time + same place makes behavior automatic (so you stop fighting yourself)

• Why morning habits transform situations faster than evening ones

• The compound effect of showing up even when you don't see results yet

• Real strategies for honoring your commitment on the hard days

Beverly brings research from Healthcare, European Journal of Social Psychology, and Frontiers in Psychology—not just theory, but actionable strategy that works.

For leaders building better team culture through consistency. For employees building their exit through daily action. For anyone ready to prove to themselves what they're capable of.

This isn't just about motivation. This is about building the foundation that makes transformation inevitable.

Honor the commitment. Trust the process. Watch what happens.

You're capable of this. Now go prove it to yourself.

Sources Referenced:

• Singh, B., et al. (2024). Time to Form a Habit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare, 12(23), 2488.

• Lally, P., et al. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40, 998-1009.

• Kaushal, N., et al. (2018). Mediating Mechanisms in a Physical Activity Intervention. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 40, 101-110.

The self-advocacy crisis is real, and it's costing everyone. Beverly breaks down why "good work speaks for itself" is corporate America's most expensive lie - and what leaders and employees need to do about it.

This isn't another "lean in" conversation. This is about fixing broken communication systems that are bleeding talent, money, and opportunity. Whether you're leading people or being led, you have a role to play in solving this.

What you'll learn:

• Why employee silence costs more than just individual careers

• How leaders accidentally discourage the behavior they claim to want

• Strategic frameworks for both managers and team members

• The research that reveals the true business impact

Beverly brings over a decade of C-suite experience and research from Harvard Business Review, Gallup, and more institutions to show you exactly why this matters and what to do about it.

Fair warning: This episode might make you rethink how you communicate about your value at work. Whether you're staying too quiet or not creating space for others to speak up, it's time to have these conversations.

Episode 6: You’re Pretty Damn Burned Out, Huh?

Host Beverly DInes comes back from the break to break down three toxic mindset traps that are keeping you stuck, burned out, and undervalued at work.

In this episode, you'll discover:

The formal psychology behind scarcity mindset and how the "impossible job market" narrative is literally rewiring your brain for failure

Why burnout disguised as passion is the most dangerous kind (and how to spot it before it destroys your health)

The "overproduction trap" - why doing 150% just to feel worthy is actually making you less promotable

12 powerful reflection questions to help you break these cycles and start operating from abundance

Packed with research from: WHO, NCBI, University of Georgia, Harvard Health, and more - because Beverly always brings the data.

This isn't about "thinking positive" - this is about understanding the systemic patterns designed to keep you small and learning how to break free.

Perfect for: High-achievers, career pivots, anyone feeling stuck despite doing "everything right," women and marginalized professionals navigating workplace challenges.

Warning: This episode might make you uncomfortable. Good. That's where growth happens.

Get ready to stop apologizing for taking up space and start acting like you already belong.

Episode 5 – Damn, AI Stole My Job
Feat. Adam Leeper – Creator of ‘Zero 2 A.I’, Corporate Recruitment Expert, U.S. Serviceman

The pink slips aren’t coming from robots—they’re coming from people who don’t know how to manage them.

In this powerful episode of How To Give A Damn About Your Workplace, Beverly is joined by Adam Leeper, the creator and host of the hit YouTube series Zero 2 A.I, a corporate recruitment expert, and a proud serviceman. Together, we dismantle the myth that AI is the villain in today’s workplace—and uncover the real threat: mismanagement and fear-based decision-making.

We go beyond the headlines and into the trenches of job loss, career pivots, and tech anxiety. Whether you're navigating a layoff, scared you’re next, or simply wondering how to future-proof your career in an AI-powered economy, this episode is your tactical guide to staying ready—not reactive.

Expect:

• Real talk about how AI is actually changing work

• Step-by-step strategies to maximize AI as your co-pilot (not competition)

• Tools and platforms to upskill, transition, and reclaim your narrative

• Hard truths and hopeful next steps for anyone who still gives a damn

  
  

This isn’t an obituary for your job—it’s a blueprint for your evolution.

In this celebratory power hour, we’re getting real about reclaiming creativity in the workplace—and why it’s not just for artists or influencers. I’m joined by Shelby and Jon Abrahamsen, the dynamic co-founders of Foxsy Media, as we mark my official launch as a Foxsy Creator Partner! 🥳✨

Together, we unpack how creativity is a birthright, not a bonus. And if you’ve ever felt like your corporate role squeezes out your imagination, this episode is your reminder that your ideas, voice, and vision still matter. Whether you’re in HR, finance, admin, or leadership, investing in your creativity is investing in your power.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a creative call to arms.

Let’s talk:
– Why creativity doesn’t belong in a box
– How Foxsy empowers modern creators (and why that includes YOU)
– What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start showing up with your full self

🔥 This special episode kicks off a new chapter—and you’re invited to make it your own.

Let’s be real: burnout often begins where validation ends.

In this episode of How to Give a Damn About Your Workplace, we explore the role of affirmation, acknowledgment, and appreciation—both for ourselves and the people we lead.

You’ll learn:
— How lack of validation damages trust and morale
— Why self-validation is a survival skill in today’s work culture
— How to build feedback loops that empower, not exhaust
— What teams need to feel seen, not just measured

🎉 This episode also marks a huge milestone: 40,000+ of you in our community on TikTok. Thank you for giving a damn about doing work that matters.

🎧 Listen now—and if this resonated, share with a team leader who needs to hear

Spoiler: It Impacts All of Us.

In this episode, Beverly Dines breaks down why thoughtfulness isn’t just a leadership trait — it’s a teamwide responsibility. From hallway hellos to how we respond to tension, this conversation explores how small, human-centered actions create big cultural shifts.

🔎 We unpack:
– The cost of thoughtlessness at work
– How to practice care without overextending
– Why your coworkers are watching how you show up
– Data on kindness, trust, and retention
– And the uncomfortable truth: if the vibes are bad, you might be contributing

Work doesn’t need more forced fun or trust falls.
It needs people who give a damn.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and share it with a coworker who makes work feel better.

#GiveADamnPod