[dekhn]

Reduction in Force. It's a term commonly used when companies are undergoing a large scale employee trimming. I don't think that google would do call it that. Probably just managers encouraged to increase the % of people who go on PIPs.

[berg117]

Probably just managers encouraged to increase the % of people who go on PIPs.

That's how tech companies usually do layoffs. Rather than admit they overexpanded and have to cut people (or that they are cannibalizing their own people to boost executive compensation) they blame it on departing workers by increasing the PIP-rape cutoff.

[bigbluedots]

A different way to do it is to bring on contingent labor instead of hiring people as permanent employees. I don't know if that is better but at least people know what they're getting.

[dwighttk]

What are PIPs?

[to-lose-letrec]

Performance Improvement Plans.

Basically a company's last effort to cover their butts before firing you. If you contest the termination, they can claim they gave you fair warning and a chance to improve.

If you're ever on one, the sensible course of action is to look for another job. You're next on the chopping block.