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Fairness Layoffs Decision Making

I have four very good employees in my department and I just received word from management that I have to lay one off. I need all of them, but management says "no." How do I figure out who to let go?



Before you start trying to figure out which employee will walk the corporate plank, you should step back and review some of the options to layoffs. While a layoff may ultimately turn out to be your only move, it should not be your first move.

You have nothing to lose by trying to make a stronger case to management. Try to show the measurable value that each of these employees directly contributes to the success of the department.

If management still will not bend, you should discuss the matter with your employees, as some may prefer to switch to part-time status or perhaps share a job. In some cases, all employees in a department may be willing to take a pay cut so that no positions are eliminated. Another option is to look carefully for other areas where you can cut costs, such as in terms of reduced expense accounts.

If you take these types of steps but still find that a layoff is your only option, remember that there is nothing optional about letting standards of fairness and business necessity be your guide.




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