Preparing Leaders for a Human Approach to Layoffs

When a growing international tech company confronted its first largescale round of layoffs due to restructuring, we helped the leadership conduct the challenging process in a way that reduced legal risk, maintained morale, and ensured dignity for their parting team members.

The key risks for the restructuring were:

• Legal: The international nature of the layoffs presented legal risks due to the variance in employment laws

• Experience: Junior leaders conducting the layoff discussions did not know how to manage these difficult conversations

• Reputational: An undignified approach to the layoffs risked damaging the reputation and hiring potential of the company in the future

• Productivity & Engagement: This was an emotionally difficult time for leaders and teams

We worked across the organization to generate a holistic approach to creating a dignified layoff experience, including:

• Coaching senior leaders on core messaging

• Consulting with the comms, HR, and IT departments to create a seamless process

• Training impacted leaders on how to manage the difficult conversation of layoffs, including de-escalation scripts, layoff frameworks, empathetic listening tools, support materials, and self care

• Training for all team leaders on "leading through difficult times:" ways to maintain motivation and engagement in teams during layoffs and other challenging times