We’ve had to read about a lot of layoffs in the past weeks, many of them very large. Sure, many are being justified by pointing out that the companies have hired many times more in the pandemic years than how much they’re now reducing, though that’s a small consolation for anyone affected. But what strikes me about these is the repeated anecdotes of horrible communication.

Accounts just deactivate, email is unreachable, Slack turns off, whatever. At best, a short message in your personal email inbox. What happened to treating people like the persons they are, rather than some replaceable cog in a machine?

I’ve been part of layoffs. More times on the side of the employer, having to make and communicate those decisions, than being laid off myself, but enough of both experiences to understand it’s a stressful experience either way. I’m certain I haven’t always done the best job I could have when informing someone. Like anything, it takes practice to learn how to do it, but this isn’t something you want to get a lot of practice at. We all deserve to be treated with respect, though.

Remember also that this is rarely to do with the people’s performance — there’s just a number the units have to reach when the company directs reductions. Great people are affected, every time. I’ve made a point of trying to help any people affected by a layoff to find a new role whenever I could. If you know people affected, try to help. It could be you next time.

[I wrote this on LinkedIn, but figured I’d post a copy here as well.]