Layoffs: A 12-Step Program for Getting Through Down(sizing) Times

Many companies have experienced layoffs over the past few years, and the worst of the bad times may be over. Still, as every human resource professional knows, corporate reorganizations, including outsourcing, mergers, and acquisitions, continue apace. Whether emanating from sourcing, a merger, an acquisition, or simply due to a corporate restructure or cost-cutting measure – or any combination thereof – the elimination of positions and resulting separation of employees means the same thing from a human resource perspective: layoffs.

The specter of layoffs, especially mass layoffs, can be daunting. Tension is in the air, uncertainty prevails, morale is in jeopardy, and the threat of legal claims looms large. This Commentary suggests practical steps for any company to take when faced with a layoff situation.