Layoffs are an unfortunately common occurrence in the corporate world but the Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be an especially brutal period for many employees, who have lost their jobs at various times since March 2020, both in India and globally. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), more than five million people lost their jobs in October 2021.

Earlier this month, a video of Better.com CEO Vishal Garg abruptly laying off over 900 employees on a Zoom call went viral. For those who were laid off in the firm’s US and India operations, this was a huge shock and disappointment at the start of the festive season. Garg has faced criticism from all quarters including several industry leaders about the way he handled the announcement. In the call, the CEO of the homeownership company can be heard saying, "If you're on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off”. While Garg later apologised for the way he communicated the message and has since taken time off from work, the company’s employees may not have the same luxury.