If You Have to Reduce Your Workforce, Do It Right

As we approach the end of a very tough year, we can expect a new round of business successes, failures, and realignments.

Layoff are painful and many companies make matters worse by handling them poorly.

In the process of trying to do everything “right,” some managers forget to be human. It’s amazing how often people rigidly follow a script during notification meetings for fear of saying something wrong (Who can forget the infamous “zoom layoffs” of 2020).

It’s even more amazing how often they forget to mention the fact that they appreciate everything the employee did for the team or affirmation of the employee’s abilities.

Layoffs are emotional and raw. As a leader and a human being, it’s critical to show empathy when delivering such painful and often scary news.