Tag: Layoffs

Pros and Cons of “Voluntary” Attrition

Voluntary attrition—when employees choose to leave a company on their own—can be an attractive workforce strategy for organizations looking to reduce headcount without resorting to layoffs. The Trump administration has leaned on this approach in recent months, implementing policies like mandatory return-to-office (RTO) mandates and a “deferred resignation” program, which offers up to eight months […]

Compliance Issues with Voluntary Attrition

Many companies use return-to-office (RTO) mandates or resignation packages to encourage voluntary attrition, hoping to reduce headcount without resorting to layoffs. While these strategies may seem like a smart way to cut costs, they come with significant legal and compliance risks. Employers must carefully navigate discrimination laws, constructive discharge claims, and severance agreement regulations to […]

HR Query: Middle Manager Burnout, Layoffs, and the Search for Solutions

Middle managers are facing unprecedented pressure. As organizations streamline communication, this critical layer is often caught in the crossfire, with layoffs impacting one-third of this group in 2023. A recent study revealed that 75% of middle managers report experiencing burnout, and 40% are actively seeking new opportunities. This alarming trend poses a significant risk to […]

Workforce Shift: From The Great Resignation to a Great Talent Stagnation

The U.S. workforce is facing a critical moment of talent stagnation, marking a shift away from the disruption of The Great Resignation. Today, employers say they are struggling to fill limited open roles due to a lack of well-qualified applicants, meaning less new talent is coming into the fold. Meanwhile, workers are now looking to […]

After Layoffs, Here’s How to Rebuild a High-Trust Work Culture

The recent swath of layoffs couldn’t have come at a worse time for companies. Even before the staff cuts, most were already facing a crisis of trust. According to DDI’s 2023 Global Leadership Report, just 32% of leaders say they trusted senior leadership in their organization to make the right decisions, and fewer than half […]

8 Mental Health Tips for Coping with Layoffs

Losing a job can hurt not only your bank account – but also your mental well-being. The aftermath of a layoff can leave you feeling a wide array of emotions, and it’s important to recognize that the impact of unemployment extends far beyond finances and career trajectories. Layoffs Affect Mental Health: Going from having a […]

2023 Labor Trend – the Shift from the Great Resignation to Quiet Quitting

The past few years in the workplace have been defined by the Great Resignation, a period marked by significant employee turnover and a quest for more fulfilling work. This era symbolized worker empowerment, with many in the US leaving their jobs for roles that better aligned with their values and improved their life quality. However, […]

Navigating the Talent Tides: 9 Proactive Approaches to Workforce Optimization in 2024

The U.S. technology and professional service industries witnessed significant workforce challenges in 2023, with a continuous stream of layoffs that showed no signs of abating. These corporations grappled with various accelerating changes, including the evolution of technology, economic uncertainties, and shifts in consumer behavior. This article explores a strategic approach to managing these changes and […]

Bridging the Employee-Employer Divide: From Toxicity to Trust in the Age of AI

In recent years, a perfect storm of accelerating factors has roiled the corporate landscape. From the shockwaves of the pandemic to the ever-widening income gap between executives and their employees, there’s an evident and growing strain on the relationship between labor and management. If ‘The Great Resignation’ and ‘Quiet Quitting’ hadn’t tipped us off already, […]

Planning for Workforce Reductions in an Age of Inflation

With inflationary pressures and lingering fears of a recession, 2023 has seen layoffs in nearly every sector of the economy. But layoffs have their own price tag, which often includes severance payments to affected employees, loss of institutional knowledge, diminished employee morale, and reputational harm. Before committing to a reduction in force, employers should consider […]