How Labeling Laid-Off Tech Workers as ‘Low Performers’ Destroys Careers

You’ve been told you’re being let go — not due to company finances or restructuring, but because of your “performance.”

The label “low performer” is assigned to you, a tag that sticks, staining your professional reputation and making it harder to recover.

This isn’t an isolated case; it’s the harsh reality many tech workers face in today’s turbulent job market.

The tech world, once a beacon of innovation and opportunity, is now facing waves of layoffs.

Companies like Meta, Microsoft, and others are reducing headcounts.

Microsoft’s recent layoffs hit teams across gaming, sales, and security — industries that once felt secure.

What’s worse?

These layoffs are often cloaked in terms like “performance-based” or “non-regrettable attrition.”

But let’s call it what it is: a tactic that can damage careers and dignity in one fell swoop.

The weight of a label

When tech giants like Meta describe layoffs as “non-regrettable attrition” Fast Company breaks it down here, they’re essentially branding some employees as undesirable.

It’s not just a pink slip; it’s a scarlet letter.

Future employers see that label and hesitate, wondering if there’s more to the story.

For the worker, this means longer job searches, lower salary offers, and an uphill battle to prove their worth.

Here’s the kicker: these labels often have little to do with actual performance.

They’re tools to justify decisions, protect the company’s image, or meet arbitrary cost-cutting goals.

The term “low performer” becomes a convenient scapegoat in an environment where trust and transparency are already fragile.

The real impact on workers

The “low performer” tag doesn’t just haunt your resume; it seeps into your psyche.

Self-doubt creeps in.

Did I really deserve this?

Could I have done more?

The tech world is notorious for its hustle culture — the 24/7 grind glorified by leaders like Elon Musk.

As Mashable explores, this environment pushes people to their limits and then blames them for burning out.

When layoffs happen, the narrative is often controlled by the employer.

Workers rarely get a chance to defend themselves or provide context.

This one-sided story can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, making it harder to network or even talk about the experience.

A larger trend in the tech industry

The “low performer” label is part of a bigger issue: a shift in how the tech industry views talent.

During the pandemic, tech companies went on hiring sprees, believing the digital boom would last forever.

Now, as the market corrects itself, workers are paying the price. Meta’s latest layoffs highlight this trend, showing how even high-performing teams are being targeted in cost-cutting measures.

This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet.

It’s about people.

Talented, hardworking individuals who suddenly find themselves labeled and sidelined.

The industry’s focus on immediate profitability often overlooks the long-term damage to its workforce and reputation.

What you can do

If you’ve been labeled a “low performer,” know this: it doesn’t define you.

Here’s how to take back control:

1. Challenge the Narrative

If possible, ask for detailed feedback on why you’ve been labeled.

Document your achievements and contributions to counter any misconceptions.

2. Leverage Your Network

Don’t let shame keep you silent. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts.

Many people understand the unfairness of these labels and can offer support or referrals.

3. Reframe the Story

In interviews, focus on what you learned from the experience.

Emphasize resilience and adaptability — qualities every employer values.

4. Invest in Yourself

Use this time to upskill or pivot.

The tech industry is vast, and opportunities exist beyond your last role.

Consider certifications, bootcamps, or freelance projects to stay relevant.

5. Stay Positive

Easier said than done, right? But remember, a layoff is often a reflection of the company’s challenges, not your abilities.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you and focus on the future.

A Call to Action

The tech industry needs to rethink how it handles layoffs.

Labels like “low performer” do more harm than good, damaging not just individual careers but also the industry’s credibility.

Companies must prioritize transparency, fairness, and humanity in these processes.

And you, the reader, have a role to play. If this article resonates with you, share it.

Talk about it.

Let’s start a conversation about how we can create a more compassionate and equitable industry.

If you want more actionable insights like this, sign up for my newsletter. Together, we can navigate these challenges and build stronger, more resilient careers. I’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment.