Boss Lady

How to lay off employees with care and respect: expert tips

on


It’s something we never want to think we’ll have to handle, but staff layoffs tend to be a part of being an entrepreneur and leader. You’re sure to have loyal, productive staff whom you value highly, but there may come a time when you have to lay them off because things go awry. You need to know how to lay off employees with care and respect.

Unfortunately, this is something many people have had to deal with since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and it continues to be an issue for many business owners. When it’s time to say goodbye to workers, it’s essential to do it in the most effective way possible, so you don’t burn bridges or end up with former team members bad-mouthing you and your company. Follow a few steps to get the job done constructively.

How to lay off employees with care and respect

Communicate your decision carefully

When you have to break the bad news, do so clearly, kindly, respectfully, and as openly as possible. Don’t confuse people by dancing around the matter or giving them false hope that the situation could change. On the other hand, also be sensitive and show you care and understand that this is hard news to hear. Indicate why lay offs are occurring, so people get some insight into the situation and the reasons behind your decision.

Undertstand that in how to lay off employees with care and respect, if it’s not about personal performance but rather about business economics, workers should know so they don’t unnecessarily blame or doubt themselves. When people don’t have to waste time thinking they could have done things differently, they’re more likely to accept the news and move forward sooner.

Pay attention to the tone you use and your body language, too. Look people in the eyes and avoid crossing your arms. Also, give yourself plenty of time to conduct these bad-news meetings. Give employees plenty of time to take in what you’re saying and ask questions. Don’t rush people out of your office if they’re crying or otherwise visibly emotional. Allow them to compose themselves before they have to leave.

Be there to listen if people need to talk or vent

Be open to acting as a listening post for your workers after hearing the news that they’re being let go. Act as a shoulder to cry on for those who need it in the minutes, days, and even potentially weeks afterward. Be patient when you have to break the news to staff members. They’ll likely feel strong emotions after the initial shock wears off a bit. For example, they may feel frustrated, angry, fearful, or sad. If so, they might need to vent in your office.

It’s likely not the most comfortable situation for you, but letting people get out what they need to so they feel heard, validated, and respected can go a long way to helping them and reducing the likelihood they bad mouth the company. If you hear comments or tone you don’t appreciate, remind yourself that people are facing a tough time; try not to take it personally. However, if things get out of hand and you feel threatened and worried about your safety, don’t accept this kind of behavior – have security on standby if need be.

Utilize outplacement services to help workers find new roles

Another tip is to utilize outplacement providers to help employees move on and find other work. Hire specialist contractors or firms who sit down with employees to plan how they can move forward strategically. They can also provide systems, documents, and processes to help workers transition as quickly and seamlessly as possible, which is helpful for those being laid off and for your business.

Consultants can handle a variety of other tasks, depending on the level of program you invest in. For example, they can assist workers with finding new opportunities and networking, and developing updated resumes and other job application documents. They can handle interview coaching and advise on salary negotiations, too, among other tasks.

Provide support to remaining team members

Although your focus will be on the people you have to say goodbye to, when laying off workers, stop and think about your remaining team as well. They may feel upset, angry, sad, guilty, and the like at losing colleagues, and worried that their jobs are on the line too. Do what you can to help morale stay high and come together as a unit. You might, for instance, offer employees counseling or get everyone together for a debrief or a mood-boosting occasion such as an outing or meal.

Laying off workers is hard for everyone involved. As such, take it step by step and be as thoughtful and considered in your approach as possible.

About Business Woman Media

Our women don’t want to settle for anything but the best. They understand that success is a journey involving personal growth, savvy optimism and the tenacity to be the best. We believe in pragmatism, having fun, hard-work and sharing inspiration. LinkedIn

Recommended for you