In recent years, the job market has shifted significantly, causing layoffs to become part of the business landscape for the foreseeable future. Right or wrong, businesses seem to look at layoffs as a standard, cost-cutting practice. They have been laying off and rehiring on a constant loop. We have seen through recent examples, however, that there is definitely a right and wrong way to lay off employees.
Earlier this year, CBS news reported that tech giant Google laid off roughly 12,000 employees. One employee said, “they received notice of their dismissal via an email sent to their personal address, which struck them as insensitive. Receiving no advance warning of what would be their last day at the company added further insult to injury, they said.”
In contrast, the CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, released a detailed message to their employees explaining the “why” behind the layoffs. Employees felt they understood the decision and felt that the decision had not been made lightly. The company also provided many resources for terminated employees to help them find their next adventure.
Although Airbnb laid off a much higher percentage of its workforce, it received much less backlash for doing so. This is all due to open, honest, and compassionate communication from the head of the company. Read on for our tips on how to lay off your employees with compassion.
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