“Art Collector Bernard Arnault Describes Layoffs as Being ‘Promoted Outwards'”
# **Bernard Arnault’s “Promoting Outwards”: A Rebranding of Layoffs?**
In the latest twist of corporate jargon, billionaire and **LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH) CEO Bernard Arnault** has introduced the term **”promoting outwards”** to describe layoffs. This phrase recently surfaced during an investors’ call where he discussed restructuring efforts at **Tiffany & Co.**, a luxury jewelry brand acquired by LVMH.
## **What Does “Promoting Outwards” Mean?**
Arnault’s new terminology has sparked debate over whether this is a genuine attempt to reframe career transitions positively or simply **corporate spin** to soften the blow of job losses. He explained that performance-based downsizing is about:
> “Giving employees the opportunity to embrace new challenges beyond our organizations. They’re being promoted outwards, so to speak.”
This perspective aligns with **Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s** plan to trim 5% of the company’s **lowest-performing employees in 2025**—around **3,600 jobs**.
## **Corporate Rebranding of Layoffs: A Growing Trend?**
Arnault’s statement is the latest example of **corporate euphemisms** used to mask layoffs. Companies have increasingly adopted language that **downplays the impact of job cuts**, making them seem like opportunities rather than setbacks.
Some other notable corporate jargon for layoffs includes:
– **”Right-sizing”** – Implies an optimization rather than a cut.
– **”Workforce optimization”** – Suggests a strategic improvement instead of eliminating jobs.
– **”Involuntary attrition”** – Sounds like a natural process rather than forced removal.
By rewording layoffs, companies attempt to avoid **negative PR, employee backlash, and stockholder concerns** while maintaining an image of corporate goodwill.
## **Tiffany & Co.’s Turn: What’s Next?**
Following the trend set by Meta, **Tiffany & Co. is set to “promote outwards”** some of its workforce, though the exact number of affected employees remains unclear.
LVMH’s restructuring of Tiffany & Co. has been ongoing since its **$15.8 billion acquisition in 2021**. In recent years, the brand has undergone executive turnovers, creative direction shifts, and operational streamlining aimed at reinforcing its **luxury dominance**.
As LVMH positions itself for a competitive future, market analysts predict more **”strategic adjustments”—or, as some might say, layoffs**—on the horizon.
## **The Reality Behind the Euphemism**
While calling layoffs “promotions” might sound appealing in a boardroom, **the reality for workers is far from celebratory**. Employees losing their jobs do not necessarily feel they are being promoted but rather **forced into uncertainty**.
The shift from job security to a **gig-based, freelance-heavy workforce** is becoming more normalized, often leaving former full-time employees with fewer benefits and **limited stability**.
## **Final Thoughts**
As corporations continue to **rebrand layoffs**, it’s important to **look beyond the language** and see the real implications for workers. While the idea of “promoting outwards” might comfort investors and executives, for employees, **it remains what it is—losing a job**.
Whether this trend of corporate euphemisms continues or **faces backlash** remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: workers deserve **transparency and respect**, not just clever rewording.
What do you think about Arnault’s **“promoting outwards”** terminology? Is it an innovative way to frame career transitions, or just another way to avoid saying **layoffs**?