Layoffs

Cost of an age-biased layoff plan: $2.25 million

12/22/2021

If you are planning to terminate many employees in a reduction in force, be sure to assess the possible adverse impact the RIF might have on older workers—anyone age 40 or older.

Set objective criteria for who loses job in layoff

08/05/2021

Use objective standards to decide who will stay or go during a reduction in force. That helps eliminate the chance that bias will taint the RIF process and trigger an employee lawsuit.

When & how you must notify employees of layoffs

10/20/2020

There are indications layoffs will rise again in the fourth quarter of 2020 as covid-19 cases edge upward again. And as layoffs increase, the threat of WARN Act lawsuits grows more acute for employers that do not follow the layoff notification rules.

5 million older workers lost their jobs as virus surged

10/06/2020

Racial and gender discrimination are rightfully under examination at many workplaces, as employers strive for diversity in hiring. However, another bias is impacting companies as well: ageism.

Document performance problems to justify RIF list

09/24/2020

Use objective criteria when deciding who will keep or lose their job during a reduction in force. Then be sure to document your specific, business-related reasons for handing out pink slips. That will help you prevail in court if an employee sues, alleging a RIF was based on discrimination.

Plan layoff meeting carefully

09/23/2020

Laying off an employee is never easy, but not thinking about it won’t help. It’s better to plan your meeting with the employee in detail, including the steps you should take before the meeting. These tips should help.

Coming to a court near you: covid-19 lawsuits

05/27/2020

In just a few weeks, dozens of federal lawsuits have been filed alleging some workplace wrong related to the coronavirus or covid-19.

How to protect your company’s data when letting go of a remote employee

05/21/2020

An astounding 87% of employees take company data with them on their way out the door. How can businesses protect their data when laying off employees who are currently working from home? Your checklist should include the following steps after an employee gives notice.

Some WARN Act notification rules still apply

05/07/2020

Usually, the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires employers to provide 60 days’ advance notice before closing down a workplace. However, a clause in the WARN Act provides for exceptions.

As economic road turns rough, dodge these 4 RIF potholes

04/07/2020

With the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the economy, layoffs are in the news—and on the agendas of leaders and HR pros at employers big and small. Here are four critical and often overlooked reduction-in-force potholes that can make the route more treacherous than it needs to be.