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  • October 2018 (Revised March 2019)
  • Background Note
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Note on Managing Workforce Reductions

By: Ethan Bernstein and Carin-Isabel Knoop
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:24
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Abstract

Each individual who enters an organization will, at some point, leave. And yet most future leaders spend significantly more effort learning about recruiting than departures, despite the sensitivity and challenges associated with the latter. This note is intended to help address that imbalance. This note provides a roadmap for managers and employees to follow when instituting or facing layoffs. It aims to help managers consider the broader implications that should be taken into account when conducting layoffs, including how to structure and execute them effectively; how to minimize the negative impact on laid-off employees, “surviving” employees, the firm’s reputation, and the community; and what alternatives any firm contemplating layoffs should consider.

Keywords

Layoffs; Downsizing; Workforce; Workforce Reductions; Delayering; Human Resources; Employees; Resignation and Termination; Management; Organizations; Reputation

Citation

Bernstein, Ethan, and Carin-Isabel Knoop. "Note on Managing Workforce Reductions." Harvard Business School Background Note 419-039, October 2018. (Revised March 2019.)
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About The Author

Ethan S. Bernstein

Organizational Behavior
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Related Work

    • October 2018 (Revised March 2019)
    • Faculty Research

    Note on Managing Workforce Reductions

    By: Ethan Bernstein and Carin-Isabel Knoop
Related Work
  • Note on Managing Workforce Reductions By: Ethan Bernstein and Carin-Isabel Knoop
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