How to Conduct Employee Layoffs Effectively & Respectfully

Employee Layoffs: How to Conduct Layoffs Respectfully

Employee layoffs can and should be a difficult task for an organization. You may have to let employees go that may have worked for the company for years. The decision to lay off workers should never be made lightly. While the process of handling layoffs is clearly outlined in federal and state laws, your top priority should be the employee’s dignity. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the process is as effective and supportive for your employees as possible.

Employee Layoffs Communicated With Empathy

The financial and structural necessity for employee layoffs may have you stressed and distracted. However, it is essential to remember that your employees are people facing a stressful situation as well.

Give Team Members Advance Notice

Before layoffs begin, take the time to talk to your staff. Let your team members know that layoffs may occur and the reasons why. If the company is struggling, your employees deserve to know before potential layoffs. 

Conduct Layoffs Individually and Privately

When layoffs begin, treat each employee dismissed with dignity and respect. Ensure that you discuss the layoff in person and make the meeting private.

Be Clear and Supportive

Be prepared with the resources and support they need. If the layoffs are temporary, make sure your employee understands the process and their job prospects with the business moving forward. For employees who will not be returning, provide information, resources, feedback. Also, provide references to employees to help them as they move forward in their job search.

Support Your HR Teams

Employee layoffs can be an overwhelming time for your Human Resources department, and the effects of that could potentially spill over to the recently laid-off employees. The impact of job loss is stressful, and your employees may need more support and information than your HR team can handle.

If your company is dealing with large-scale layoffs, create a dedicated online portal or website with resources and information for impacted employees. Provide as much information as you can in writing so that laid off workers can review the materials at home. This allows your HR team to work more efficiently.

Conclusion

Finally, recognize that employee layoffs can be one of the most difficult times for your company. Also, recognize that it is also an opportunity to demonstrate your sensitivity, professionalism, and the company values that epitomize your brand.

When you’re ready to build your team back up, let our team at ABBTECH lend you a hand!

Modern Employee Benefits That Job Candidates Actually Want

You want job candidates to pursue career opportunities across your business. To achieve your goal, you need to provide the modern employee benefits that job candidates want.

Today’s job seekers demand top-notch benefits. And you must figure out what benefits meet the needs of modern job seekers.

Here are five modern employee benefits that job candidates want.

1. A Positive Work Environment

Modern workers want to feel great about where they work and their peers and superiors. Thus, it pays to prioritize your business culture. That way, you can provide workers with a terrific place to work. Plus, you can set up a work environment where equality, inclusion, and diversity reign supreme.

Evaluate your business culture. Conduct employee questionnaires and surveys to find out how workers feel about your culture. From here, you can modify your work environment. You can next lay the groundwork for a culture that resonates with job candidates and employees.

2. Student Loan Repayment

Job candidates may leave school with substantial student loan debt. You can help these candidates pay off this debt. In doing so, you can stir up interest in your company’s job openings. 

Establish a student loan repayment plan for workers and new hires. The program should be reviewed and updated periodically. This ensures it can consistently meet the needs of your workforce.

3. A Flexible Work Schedule

The days of a standard 9-to-5 work schedule are coming to a close. Instead, employees want the flexibility to work a schedule that allows them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

If possible, provide job candidates with flexible schedule options. As long as the work gets done on time and on budget, employees can complete tasks at times that work well for them. This is one of the 5 employee benefits that job candidates want.

4. Remote Work Opportunities

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led many businesses to let employees work remotely. It also has opened the door for companies to pursue job candidates from around the world.

Establish a permanent remote work team. Seek out quality job candidates who can perform tasks from any location, at any time. These candidates can reap the benefits of a flexible work environment. And they can help your company grow and thrive. 

5. Paid Family Leave

The best companies provide extended family leave. They put family front and center and are willing to do what’s necessary to support employees and their loved ones. Therefore, these companies stand out from the competition. Assess your paid family leave benefits and upgrade them as much as you can. By offering first-rate paid family leave benefits, you can help your employees take care of their families.