Former Cloudflare Employee’s Termination Video Sparks Debate on the Right Way to Fire Employees

A former employee of Cloudflare, Brittany Pietsch, recently posted a video on TikTok documenting the meeting where she was fired, sparking a discussion on the proper way to let employees go.

The video quickly went viral, with viewers criticizing Cloudflare for its handling of the situation. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince even responded, stating that the video was “painful” for him to watch.

In the video, Pietsch logs into a virtual meeting with an HR representative and a director, both of whom she had never met before. She had assumed they were meeting to let her go because other coworkers had already been laid off.

During the meeting, Cloudflare representatives cited Pietsch’s failure to meet performance expectations as the reason for her termination. Pietsch, however, asked for an explanation as to why she was singled out, especially since she had received positive feedback from her manager. The director was unable to provide detailed specifics on Pietsch’s performance.

In response to the video, a Cloudflare spokesperson clarified that the company did not conduct layoffs but rather based their decision on the employee’s ability to meet performance targets. Cloudflare stated that they regularly review team members’ performance and let go of those who are not right for the team.

The video has generated significant attention on social media platforms like TikTok, X, and Reddit, with many viewers expressing their disapproval of the way the termination was handled.

Experts in human resources, such as Molly from HR Molly on TikTok, emphasize the importance of treating affected employees with respect during the termination process. They advocate for providing as much information as possible and prioritizing the well-being of the employee.

Recording termination meetings can be risky and may even be illegal in some states without consent. However, it serves as a reminder to companies and HR professionals to reevaluate their approach and ensure that they handle such interactions with dignity.

Cloudflare, a cybersecurity firm, currently has several job postings available on their website.

In her response to the social media backlash, Pietsch stated that she is not concerned about potential job prospects being affected by the video. She believes that any company that would judge her negatively for sharing her experience or asking questions about her termination is not one she would want to work for.

The video and its aftermath have sparked a broader conversation about the right way to fire employees and how companies can navigate these difficult situations.