How to Lay Off an Employee—The Complete Guide

A young Black woman leads her team in a project meeting

By

Siel Ju

Categories

In today’s fast-paced and globalized business environment, organizations have to continuously innovate to remain competitive and sometimes pivot to respond to external challenges or economic downturns. Layoffs are sometimes necessary as an important part of this change process—and HR professionals are expected to know how to lay off an employee and be prepared for a reduction in force under short notice.

Whether your organization is currently planning a reduction in force or simply preparing for future scenarios, our newest guide, How to Lay Off an Employee, can help. With an added section on best practices for virtual layoffs, this guide will serve as a valuable resource as you plan workforce changes for your company. 

Download the guide now and get in-depth answers to your questions: 

  • How do I craft a layoff list while following all federal and state laws and regulations?
  • What are the best practices for conducting a compassionate and respectful layoff meeting?
  • What notices and benefits do I need to provide to affected employees?
  • What items should my company include in a severance agreement?
  • Which departments do I need to coordinate with to ensure a smooth layoff event?
  • How can I ensure privacy and respect when conducting layoffs with remote employees? 

Each section will walk you through what you need to know and do to plan a layoff at your organization. We cover the unique concerns you might consider that are specific to the size of your company and the needs of your employees. In addition, we go over how to mitigate reputational risk in the digital age by offering outplacement services and other benefits. 

How to lay off an employee - man walking.

Download the full guide, and use it as a reference for yourself and as a tool for educating others and securing buy-in. Access the guide today to develop a plan for the inevitable workforce changes to come in the future.


The views expressed within this publication are those of the individual authors writing in their individual capacities only—not those of their respective employers. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.


Read more: How to begin the layoff communication: Delivering the news & mitigating the risks

Learn how to effectively build and transition your workforce.

Latest Posts

Career Wellness Is More Important Than Ever
Career Wellness Is More Important Than Ever

Wellness topics such as stress management, financial wellbeing, physical health, and others as they relate to work life have come into focus. Both employees and the unemployed are familiar with the frequent struggles to balance priorities, find time for what’s...

Signs of a Toxic Work Environment
Signs of a Toxic Work Environment

Have you noticed that some employees seem constantly on edge, miss project deadlines, are increasingly absent, or lack initiative and engagement? These behaviors could be signs of a toxic work environment. As an employer, ignoring these red flags can have serious...

What Is a Training Needs Analysis?
What Is a Training Needs Analysis?

A training needs analysis (TNA) is a systematic process organizations use to identify gaps in employee knowledge, skills, and abilities that hinder operational efficiency or prevent achieving business goals. This analysis is the foundation for developing targeted...

What Is Effective Communication?
What Is Effective Communication?

Effective communication is characterized by clarity, relevance, and empathy. It involves choosing the right medium and tone for the message, considering the needs and perspectives of the audience, and actively listening to responses. Additionally,  it requires being...

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Learn about career solutions and trends that matter to the HR community.