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Is ExxonMobil considering letting go of certain employees using PIPs (Performance Improvement Plans)? 2020 saw the confirmation of the speculations that have been going around ExxonMobil circles for months by Forbes & Business Insider. It seems that ExxonMobil modified its performance reviews to support additional job cuts in an effort to "cut more workers without using traditional layoffs."
As to Forbes, Exxon assigns a performance rating to its employees, with the lowest-ranking staff, "Needs Significant Improvement," facing the possibility of termination. Another name for the "Needs Significant Improvement" category is "NSI." A "Performance Improvement Plan," or PIP, which is essentially a severance offer to leave the company, is frequently extended to employees in this group. ExxonMobil broadened the definition of the NSI category to encompass at least 8% of US paid workers.
When it came to ExxonMobil, it made sense strategically to reduce employment through performance reviews rather than through layoffs. "Companies can avoid a requirement to give employees and state officials 60 days' notice under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act by not calling job cuts layoffs," according to Business Insider. They also gain from being able to persuade potential employers that, should they do well, their jobs will remain steady.
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ExxonMobil denied in a statement to Business Insider that the company's goal was to "reduce headcount through [their] talent management process," adding that workers who fall into the NSI category are given chances to keep their jobs and perform better.
Prior to the US coronavirus pandemic, ExxonMobil stipulated that only 3 percent of its workforce needed to fall into the NSI group. They broadened that category as of April to possibly cover 8% of workers. Business Insider was informed by a former employee, "Don't be fooled by the performance metrics." Undoubtedly, there was a layoff.
The NSI category did not include new hires before April. Anyone with fewer than two years of experience in the NSI category may now be requested to quit the company due to an amendment made to that policy. After working for the organization for more than two years, those who fall under the NSI category will have the opportunity to finish a "performance improvement plan." A provision in their "Waiver & Release" forms that said they "...will not apply for future employment with XOM" alarmed a number of ExxonMobil workers ("ExxonMobil Corp. Layoffs – TheLayoff.Com"). These "No Re-Apply" clauses are fairly frequent and are, according to an article from Sklover Working Wisdom.com, "nothing more than an attempt by employers and their lawyers to avoid future lawsuits by employees who were paid severance."
Sources :
- Jones, Benji. “Leaked Documents Reveal Exxon Changed Its Employee Ranking System amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, Putting More Workers at Risk of Getting Cut.” Business Insider , 24 July 2020.
- Jones, Benji. “Exxon Made Managers Dub Some Employees Poor Performers to Cut Staff – Business Insider.” Business Insider , Business Insider, 30 July 2020, https://www.businessinsider.com/exxon-managers-dub-some-employees-poor-performers-cut-staff-2020-7.
- “The Retirement/Transition Guide for ExxonMobil Employees.” The Retirement Group, The Retirement Group, 11 Aug. 2020, https://telecom.theretirementgroup.com/att-guide-download-google
- Hiller, Jennifer, et al. “Exxon Prepares Spending, Job Cuts in Last Ditch Move to Save Dividend.” Reuters , 30 July 2020.
- Gross, Elana. “ExxonMobil Reportedly Changed Its Employee Review Process To Increase Performance-Related Job Cuts.” Forbes , 24 July 2020.
- “Retirement Plans-Benefits & Savings.” U.S. Department of Labor, 2019, www.dol.gov/general/topic/retirement.
- “ExxonMobil Corp. Layoffs – TheLayoff.Com.” TheLayoff.Com – Layoffs Discussion Board , 27 July 2020, https://www.thelayoff.com/exxon-mobil
- Sklover, Alan. “‘My Severance Agreement Says I Can Never Re-Apply; Can I Get around That?’ – Sklover Working Wisdom.” Sklover Working Wisdom , 20 Mar. 2014, https://skloverworkingwisdom.com/my-severance-agreement-says-i-can-never-re-apply-can-i-get-around-that/.
- “Generating Income That Will Last throughout Retirement.” Fidelity, 22 Jan. 2019, www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/income-that-can-last-lifetime.
- XOM Summary Plan Description, 2017
How does the ExxonMobil Savings Plan compare against typical retirement savings plans, and what unique features does it offer that can benefit employees approaching retirement? Additionally, can you elaborate on the necessary steps ExxonMobil employees should take within the savings plan to ensure maximum contributions and employer match during their service years?
ExxonMobil Savings Plan: ExxonMobil's Savings Plan offers flexibility with pre-tax, after-tax, and Roth contributions, and features a 7% company match for the first 6% of employee contributions, a unique benefit compared to typical plans. Employees should contribute the maximum percentage to receive the full match and regularly review their investment allocations through the Voya platform(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
What are the eligibility criteria for employees to participate in the ExxonMobil Pension Plan, and how is the retirement benefit calculated? As employees consider their long-term savings strategy, how does the option of a lump-sum distribution versus an annuity influence their financial planning at ExxonMobil?
ExxonMobil Pension Plan: Employees are automatically enrolled and eligible for benefits after five years of service, with full retirement benefits offered at 55 with 15 years of service. The pension is calculated based on 1.6% of final average pay multiplied by years of service, minus a social security offset. Lump-sum and annuity options affect long-term financial planning, with lump sums offering immediate flexibility while annuities provide a steady income(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
In what ways does the ExxonMobil Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support employees during personal or family crises, and what confidentiality measures are in place to protect their privacy? Additionally, how can ExxonMobil employees access these services, and what are the key resources available through this program?
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ExxonMobil's EAP provides confidential counseling services for personal and family issues like anxiety, addiction, and family conflict. Services are accessible by phone, video chat, or text, with privacy strictly protected. Employees can contact ComPsych for guidance and support through the GuidanceNow app or website(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
With the introduction of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) at ExxonMobil, how do these accounts help employees manage their health care and dependent care expenses more effectively? What guidelines should employees follow to ensure they maximize their tax advantages while complying with IRS regulations during the enrollment process?
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs at ExxonMobil allow employees to reduce taxable income by contributing pre-tax dollars to healthcare or dependent care expenses. Employees should estimate their expenses carefully during the enrollment period and comply with IRS rules, ensuring they submit claims by April 15th of the following year(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
How does ExxonMobil define "work-life balance," and what specific benefits and programs are in place to support this philosophy for employees? Can you discuss how employees can utilize these options, such as flexible schedules and leave of absence policies, without negatively impacting their career progression within the company?
Work-Life Balance: ExxonMobil promotes work-life balance with programs like “Flex Your Day,” allowing flexibility in work hours, and up to 20 days of back-up dependent care. Employees are encouraged to use these options strategically to maintain career progression while balancing personal obligations(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
In light of the various medical plan options offered at ExxonMobil, how should employees approach selecting the right plan to best meet their healthcare needs? What factors should they consider, including family health history and financial implications, when making their decisions?
Medical Plan Selection: ExxonMobil offers Aetna POS II and network-only options, allowing employees to choose between plans based on cost, coverage, and provider access. Employees should assess their family's healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred providers when selecting the most appropriate plan(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
For ExxonMobil employees nearing retirement, what resources are available to help them understand the nuances of health benefits coordination through Medicare and their ExxonMobil coverage? How can they best navigate this transition, and what checkpoints should they be aware of to ensure they remain compliant with company policies during retirement?
Retirement Health Benefits and Medicare: ExxonMobil offers resources to help employees coordinate health benefits with Medicare upon retirement. Employees nearing retirement should explore their options through the Your Total Rewards portal and ensure compliance with company policies during the transition(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
What financial education resources does ExxonMobil provide to employees to promote informed decision-making about their retirement savings and benefits? Can you detail how programs like the Financial Fitness Program enable employees to strategically manage their finances and plan for retirement?
Financial Education Resources: ExxonMobil's Financial Fitness Program, provided in collaboration with Ernst & Young, helps employees manage their finances with resources such as EY Navigate and personalized financial planning. This program supports informed decision-making about retirement and savings strategies(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
As part of the benefits provided by ExxonMobil, how does the company facilitate employee participation in volunteer programs and charitable activities through the ExxonMobil Foundation? How can employees engage with these initiatives while also balancing their work commitments?
Volunteer Programs: Through the ExxonMobil Foundation, employees can engage in charitable activities via the Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP), which offers grants to nonprofits based on time spent volunteering. Participation in these programs is flexible, enabling employees to balance work commitments with volunteer efforts(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
How can ExxonMobil employees get in touch with benefits representatives to address specific questions about their retirement and savings plans? What are the recommended channels and best times to reach out for assistance to ensure they receive timely and relevant information about their options?
Contacting Benefits Representatives: Employees can reach out to the ExxonMobil Benefits Service Center at 833-776-9966 during business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST) for assistance with retirement and savings plan questions. The Your Total Rewards portal also offers 24/7 access for reviewing and managing benefits(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
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