IBM + NDA = Laid Off Workers Saying "Thank You" for the Layoffs
This is how powerful NDAs are [1, 2]:
Nothing indicates she left to start another job. Her "role was impacted by the recent company-wide layoffs".
With NDAs, companies gain the power to compel people to apologise people who hurt them or thank people (sometimes corporations) who hurt them.
Many Non-Disparagement Agreements/Clauses are not compatible with existing laws, nor are they compatible with principles of freedom of expression. IBM basically uses severance as hostage (or bribe) to interfere with criticism.
The important thing is, for now, more people become aware of it. █