In this uncertain political and economic climate, many organizations are faced with the difficult decision of reducing their workforce. Announcing layoffs is a complex and delicate process with substantial impacts, both for individuals and organizations. Having access to specialists in such matters can be beneficial for everyone involved.
Benefits of compassionate support in the context of termination
1.
Proper preparation
Planning out your announcement is key. It’s important to establish when and where to make the announcement, how to deliver it and to whom, what to say, what the next steps are for those who have been laid off and those who remain, etc. A well‑tailored strategy ensures everyone’s safety and helps mitigate harmful repercussions.
1. Proper preparation
Planning out your announcement is key. It’s important to establish when and where to make the announcement, how to deliver it and to whom, what to say, what the next steps are for those who have been laid off and those who remain, etc. A well‑tailored strategy ensures everyone’s safety and helps mitigate harmful repercussions.
2.
A neutral presence
With the announcement of layoffs comes a slew of emotions (sadness, shame, feelings of failure, stress) that affect the work environment. Having someone from outside the organization on hand helps break the isolation while providing a neutral person to talk to before, during, and after the fact. Our experts understand your context and reality.
2. A neutral presence
With the announcement of layoffs comes a slew of emotions (sadness, shame, feelings of failure, stress) that affect the work environment. Having someone from outside the organization on hand helps break the isolation while providing a neutral person to talk to before, during, and after the fact. Our experts understand your context and reality.
3.
Care for employees who are let go and for those who stay
Layoffs can put people in a state of shock and make emotions run high, both for the employees who are laid off and those who stay. Having expert support on hand ensures that counselling is available as soon as the announcement is made. This compassionate setting helps manage the emotions that arise and ensures that laid‑off employees get home safely. It’s also a good idea to check in with them in the short term to see how they are doing and point them toward additional support if necessary.
3. Care for employees who are let go and for those who stay
Layoffs can put people in a state of shock and make emotions run high, both for the employees who are laid off and those who stay. Having expert support on hand ensures that counselling is available as soon as the announcement is made. This compassionate setting helps manage the emotions that arise and ensures that laid‑off employees get home safely. It’s also a good idea to check in with them in the short term to see how they are doing and point them toward additional support if necessary.
4.
Tools for laid-off employees
Career guidance can be beneficial during times of transition. It helps those who have been let go to identify their strengths and talents so they can better highlight them and gain greater self-awareness. Zeroing in on their interests, motivations, and needs gives them the opportunity to better orient their efforts and clarify their career or development goals.
Showing compassion in the context of termination will have a lasting impact on your employees and your organization. By turning a difficult time into concrete proof that you care about your employees, you give them a chance to grow and better understand the situation. Doing so will earn your organization a positive reputation, make it stand out from the competition, and strengthen your employer brand.
4. Tools for laid-off employees
Career guidance can be beneficial during times of transition. It helps those who have been let go to identify their strengths and talents so they can better highlight them and gain greater self-awareness. Zeroing in on their interests, motivations, and needs gives them the opportunity to better orient their efforts and clarify their career or development goals.
Showing compassion in the context of termination will have a lasting impact on your employees and your organization. By turning a difficult time into concrete proof that you care about your employees, you give them a chance to grow and better understand the situation. Doing so will earn your organization a positive reputation, make it stand out from the competition, and strengthen your employer brand.
5.
Strengthening commitment and cohesion within teams affected by change
Even if your communication is excellent and you provide initial support, the commitment of employees who stay—and who have to rebuild a sense of belonging to a reduced team—is likely to be affected. Explaining your decisions, providing forums for addressing concerns, reinforcing organizational values, involving employees in building an engaging future and working on team cohesion are all essential initiatives for refocusing all of your employees on the collective success you are seeking.
5. Strengthening commitment and cohesion within teams affected by change
Even if your communication is excellent and you provide initial support, the commitment of employees who stay—and who have to rebuild a sense of belonging to a reduced team—is likely to be affected. Explaining your decisions, providing forums for addressing concerns, reinforcing organizational values, involving employees in building an engaging future and working on team cohesion are all essential initiatives for refocusing all of your employees on the collective success you are seeking.
Whether it’s an individual or mass termination, these key points must be taken into consideration to legitimize support from a team that is neutral, caring, qualified and capable of adapting to your unique organizational reality.
Originally published in November 2023 – Updated in March 2025 to reflect the evolving context.
Support in the context of a termination
Work with our experts to develop your termination or layoff strategy to ensure the desired outcome and limit potential repercussions for the organization. A neutral party helps provide proper support to all individuals affected by job loss during such an announcement.
