What not to do during layoffs?

Asked by: Chester Rodriguez  |  Last update: August 22, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (47 votes)

  • DON'T: Lay the blame on others for the decision.
  • DON'T: Allow the layoff to sound up as if it is for discussion.
  • DON'T: Provide the employee any promises you cannot keep.
  • DON'T: Pressure the employee to sign anything they're not ready to sign.
  • DON'T: Lay off employees the week before a holiday break if avoidable.

What should you never say during a layoff?

Don't say “This is something every manager hates to do” or refer to how hard this is for you. This time isn't about you, it is about them. Both you and the HR person should join the call five minutes early. Neither you nor the HR person should be waiting for someone to show and make fake small talk with the employee.

What not to do when laid off?

#1 Don't Start Your Job Search the Next Day

This may seem like an odd recommendation, but experts interviewed by the Harvard Business Review and Wall Street Journal advise taking at least a day or two to process the change. Don't start firing out your resume the following day.

Who usually goes first in layoffs?

The last employees to be hired become the first people to be let go. This makes sense logically. If they were recently hired, they probably haven't become as strong of organizational assets yet.

What is the 10% layoff rule?

The "top 20" percent of the workforce is most productive, and 70% (the "vital 70") work adequately. The other 10% ("bottom 10") are nonproducers and should be fired.

What To Do When You've Been Laid Off From Your Job!

27 related questions found

What is the warn rule for layoffs?

The WARN Act requires employers to give 60-days' notice before a mass layoff, plant closure, or relocation. Employers must notify employees and both state and local representatives. This helps workers prepare for job loss, find new jobs, or train for new opportunities.

What is a typical layoff payout?

While there's no typical amount, estimates range from between one and three weeks of pay for every year you worked for the company. In addition to severance pay, your severance package might include some or all of the following: Payment for accrued paid time off (e.g., sick pay or vacation pay)

What month do most layoffs occur?

When are layoffs most likely to occur? Since 2001, most layoffs happen in January and December and appear least likely to happen in February and March.

Who is most at risk during layoffs?

The workers who feel most at risk include those in product management, quality assurance, marketing, finance and IT roles.

Do good employees get laid off?

it's very hard to get fired if you are just in the Top 50% and aren't a threat to your boss' bonus. Layoffs in BigCos happen all the time, but in reality, the folks impacted are the ones who are ranked in the bottom 5%-20% of the team.

What to do immediately after getting laid off?

What to Do When You Get Laid Off
  1. Ask HR for a “laid-off” letter.
  2. Ask about insurance coverage.
  3. Check on your final paycheck.
  4. Review your 401k contributions.
  5. Ask about severance.
  6. File for unemployment.
  7. Put the internet to work for you.
  8. Update your resume.

How to survive a layoff?

To survive a layoff, prioritize your finances by checking your savings and establishing a new budget. Understand your rights and benefits that you're entitled to. Then, consider negotiating with your employer for the best possible outcome. Also, ask your employer for endorsements and a recommendation letter.

Is it shameful to be laid off?

Sadness and Loss: Losing a job can feel like losing a part of your identity, leading to grief. Anger and Frustration: It's natural to feel resentful, especially if the layoff feels unfair or abrupt. Embarrassment and Shame: Despite layoffs often being unrelated to performance, many feel a sense of personal failure.

Which department get laid off first?

However, patterns emerging during layoffs earlier this year show that non-essential departments, meaning those that don't contribute to the core functionality of the business, are the ones that often see cuts first.

What not to say during termination?

While you may show compassion (such as thanking them for their contributions and wishing them well), avoid saying anything false or misleading to soften the blow. For instance, if you are terminating because of poor performance, don't suggest possible continued or future employment.

How do companies choose who to layoff?

BLR advises organizations to “base layoffs on legitimate and objective business needs, not totally or primarily on performance evaluations.” Using skills-based evaluations as your layoff selection criteria can help your organization retain those employees whose skills will be most valuable after the restructuring.

What is the most popular day for layoffs?

End of the week (Friday)

Does seniority matter in layoffs?

Normally, layoffs are in seniority order regardless of time base; that is, the least senior employees, regardless of whether they are part time, intermittent, or full time, are laid off first.

How do you know you're getting laid off?

While no one can predict with absolute certainty whether they will lose their job, being aware of warning signs can put you in a better position to protect your career. Declines in industry health, company financial instability, budget cuts, and departmental reorganizations are major warning signs of potential layoffs.

What to say during a layoff?

Remember to speak slowly and calmly. Manager: I've called this meeting because I must unfortunately inform you that your position with the company is being eliminated. We do not have another position for you. This means you are being laid off and Human Resources will work with you to complete your transition.

Which jobs are prone to layoffs?

5 Jobs That are More Likely to See Layoffs (and 5 Jobs That Aren'...
  • Recruiter (Most likely) ...
  • Customer success specialist (Most likely) ...
  • Data scientist (Most likely) ...
  • Software engineer (Most likely) ...
  • Corporate trainer (Least likely) ...
  • Auditor (Least likely) ...
  • Technology analyst (Least likely) ...
  • Project manager (Least likely)

How do you know if more layoffs are coming?

10 Signs You Might Be Facing Layoff Soon
  1. Cost-cutting measures. ...
  2. No new hires. ...
  3. Managers leaving. ...
  4. Departmental eliminations. ...
  5. Relocating operations. ...
  6. Reduced work hours. ...
  7. Restructuring or reorganisation. ...
  8. Declining performance or revenue.

What is a generous severance package?

The calculation behind the financial compensation offered in severance agreements varies from stingy to generous. Favorable severance agreements offer one month's worth of salary for every year of tenure with the company; while more frugal packages provide just one week's worth of salary for each year, experts said.

How do you survive a layoff financially?

Regardless of the time, it might take to find another job, it's important to put a plan in place, just in case.
  1. Budget. ...
  2. File unemployment benefits immediately. ...
  3. Check your benefits. ...
  4. Create a plan for your bills. ...
  5. Stay insured. ...
  6. Make contingency plans. ...
  7. Get creatively frugal. ...
  8. Ask for help.

How much will I get if I'm laid off?

Typically, employees receive one to two weeks of their normal pay for every year of employment. For example, if you typically earn $1,000 per week and you've worked for the same company for five years, you may be eligible for $5,000 to $10,000 of severance pay.