Publications
Publications
  • December 8, 2022
  • Article
  • Harvard Business Review (website)

What Companies Still Get Wrong about Layoffs

By: Sandra J. Sucher and Marilyn Morgan Westner
  • Format:Electronic
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Abstract

Research has long shown that layoffs have a detrimental effect on individuals and on corporate performance. The short-term cost savings provided by a layoff are often overshadowed by bad publicity, loss of knowledge, weakened engagement, higher voluntary turnover, and lower innovation—all of which hurt profits in the long run. To make intelligent and humane staffing decisions in the current economic turmoil, leaders must understand what’s different about today’s larger social landscape. The authors also share strategies for a smarter approach to workforce change.

Keywords

Resignation and Termination; Employment; Selection and Staffing; Performance

Citation

Sucher, Sandra J., and Marilyn Morgan Westner. "What Companies Still Get Wrong about Layoffs." Harvard Business Review (website) (December 8, 2022).

About The Author

Sandra J. Sucher

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