Interesting ethos that may or may not be to your benefit. - Teaching Assistant Synthesis Employee Review

There were a bunch of layoffs as this startup downscaled and management suddenly got cagey about sharing feedback about performance. Suddenly things reverted from an exciting, cameraderie way of operating to classic meaningless placatory communication with a lack of accountability around POAs that effected employee experience. Layoffs are disappointing for sure and that is not management's fault. What was shady was that they promised everyone a 'financial gift' and then, towards the end stung people along when they didn't receive said gift, until their communicative resources with peers had been cut off - which was when a decisive follow up email appeared for affected individuals (explaining how they were, in fact, not eligible for said gift). The notice period for these layoffs was less than a month and if I had the time, energy and money I would possibly pursue the legality of this action. But I'm looking for another job instead... capitalist loopholes 101.