Imagine opening your inbox for a routine update from work, only to find a message instructing you to return your company laptop. In that moment, the world as you know it at work shifts because you’ve just learned you’re being made redundant.

This scenario became reality for over 100 senior bankers from ANZ after they received a mail sent in error to submit their laptop, ahead of being informed that they will be losing their job, ANZ quickly apologised and offered psychological counselling, but the damage was already done.

This incident, which the Financial Sector Union called a "disgusting way" to handle job cuts, is a cautionary tale for every business leader and HR professional. It underscores a critical truth: in the rush to embrace efficiency and digitisation, we cannot lose sight of the human element in the workplace.

ANZ is undergoing a significant change under new CEO Nuno Matos, who joined from HSBC Holdings in May. Matos has been tasked with addressing cultural and compliance gaps that previously drew regulatory scrutiny, as well as implementing a broader turnaround strategy. A number of senior executives have also left during this period of change.

The bank is moving to stabilise operations which is fine, but this episode highlights the delicate balance a company must maintain between efficiency and empathy, particularly during restructuring.

This case serves as a reminder that decisions may be necessary, but how they are communicated can have a lasting impact on employees’ trust and wellbeing.