After the Layoff-Communicating with Remaining Staff

Sample Script for Discussion with Department Employees Remaining

“As you know the organization is dealing with a severe budget crisis. As a result, there has been a need for a reduction in the organization’s workforce. Today several employees received layoff notification letters. It’s a difficult and sad day for everyone concerned – the people laid off, you that are remaining, and for the organization as a whole. We will all need time to adjust to the impacts of the layoffs. Even though employees were given notice today, their last day of employment will not be until [insert date, if appropriate]. We are developing a transition plan for our department. As we move forward I want to make sure that we, as a group, continue to work as effectively as we have before. And that we don’t start a division in the department between the employees who received notice and those who didn’t. What questions do you have about what has occurred today/yesterday?”