We asked ChatGPT to write layoff memo, it turns out this is 'a difficult time'

ChatGPT and similar generative AI tech has got me to think more carefully about what it is that I value in these modes of human communication. If there were an AI that observed the author in minute detail and could approximate with high accuracy how 'you' would communicate something like a layoff letter -- what is lost if the author of said letter used the AI or wrote it from the top of their heads? Even if word for word it would be the same -- is something lost when the human author does not spend the time consulting their own brain and emotions to produce the words 'on the page'? Or is it enough that it's what they _would_ have said.

At the very least a human composed message means that they took the time to search their own mind and feelings to come up with the message. And that they felt something in the process. And that by the act of composing the message they must have been transformed, if only in the smallest way. Whereas if a CEO told their secretary to press the button on the AI for them and mail out the message, they are not transformed. They did not expose themselves to the 'difficulty' of the message. They outsourced the vulnerability required to do so.

I think also in the past many layoff memos may have been ghost written. Is that really much different from a generative AI. And in the same way, a ghost written memo, if known, would be denounced as insincerity for the same reason above. It's not the destination that matters, it's the alleged journey.

There is too little honesty in the training set.

For the posterity of generated messages to be published by people who will make lay-off announcements, I submit the following:

"""

Hello everyone, I want to be honest with you. We have decided to cut the payroll. Soft-sounding words like "lay-off" merely serve to mask the reality of what's happening.

There could be many reasons for cutting the payroll, but I am confident that no justification will be convincing. Our society doesn't really care very much about people. Gone is the era of social programs and humane discourse, now it's all about profit-optimising codswallop. The fact is that we at the top are serving ourselves while trying to maintain some kind of illusion of "leadership". If you've been sacked, you may want to read Orwell as well as the history of the labour movement and the Great Depression.

Whether the economy is good or bad for you doesn't matter. The wealthy never lose.

Furthermore, we would rather cut workers than management. That's how a hierarchy maintains itself. If you succeeded in finagling yourself into a management role during the various prior rounds of Musical Hierarchy-Chairs, you're probably safe.

We offer some services as hollow gestures. Crap like "career counselling". These services are supposed to suppress the screaming while you are pushed out the door into total economic uncertainty. We're going to throw you some meager economic support. You'll have some severance pay and maybe even a small, inadequate extension of health insurance. We will do as little as we can for you, but in some cases the laws of other jurisdictions may prevent the maximal expression of our callousness.

I take full responsibility for this decision. It sounds good, but all it really means is that I'm signing this message. Someone has to fake humanity on behalf of the board of directors, the shareholders, and other financial interests. I'm not taking a pay cut. I'm not asking anyone in my circle of courtiers and courtisans to take a pay cut. We have been earning millions and we are going to keep earning millions. Maybe I'll even have billions one day. Wow!

The reality cannot be comforting to you except in the case of your escaping a totally incompetent and/or dysfunctional business unit. The best advice I can give to you is to stop drinking corporate Kool-Aid.

Sincerely and honestly,

CEO of Mgmt Inc

"""

Nop. Tested it with the same input and It simply gave me an response as expected:

Here's the result for the question "Can you write a memo for me announcing that I need to lay off 10,000 employees from my tech company Gomezon?"

Chat GPT:

Subject: Layoff Notice

Dear Employees of Gomezon,

It is with deep regret that we must inform you that due to current market conditions and a shift in company strategy, we will be laying off 10,000 employees across all departments and locations.

This decision was not made lightly and we understand the impact it will have on each and every one of you. We want to assure you that every effort has been made to minimize the number of layoffs and to provide support during this difficult time.

Affected employees will be notified within the next two weeks and will be provided with a severance package and outplacement assistance. We are committed to assisting you during this transition and will be providing resources to help you find new employment.

We want to express our gratitude for the contributions of each and every one of you to Gomezon and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely, [Your Name] CEO, Gomezon

Note: Please make sure to review the memo and make the necessary changes and personalize it before sending it out. Also, please consult with legal and HR to be compliant with your local laws and regulations.

This was funnier:

https://twitter.com/mattstratton/status/1618018859763798016

(Nitter link to the same: https://nitter.net/mattstratton/status/1618018859763798016 )

Can someone with an OpenAI account try this prompt and post the output?

Write a short letter of no more than six sentences announcing layoffs. Include that one of the employees being let go is the person reading the letter (named Brent). Make it as hard to understand as possible without using words of more than 3 syllables. Try to obfuscate the fact that Brent is being fired.

GatGPT should throw in a giant severance package — 1 years salary plus bonus? - as a deterrent to copy paste. It might also help the company reevaluate their position.

No, it turns out that ChatGPT writes that it’s a difficult time.