General
laid off
What does laid off mean?
To have one's employment permanently ended, or temporarily suspended, for business reasons such as cost-cutting or restructuring, as distinct from being fired for cause.
"She got laid off in the reorg despite glowing reviews, purely because the whole team was cut."
Origin
Long-standing employment term; 'lay off' in this sense dates to the 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'laid off' mean?
It means your employment was ended for business reasons like cost-cutting or restructuring, not because of anything you did wrong.
Is being laid off the same as being fired?
No. Being fired is usually for cause or poor performance, while being laid off is a business decision that isn't about your individual performance.
Does laid off mean permanent?
Usually yes, but it can also mean a temporary suspension of work, depending on the employer and situation.
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