How to manage terminations and layoffs in a recession

Correct handling of employee discipline, terminations, and layoffs is crucial, especially in a down economy.It is the responsibility of human resources professionals to ensure their organizations follow excellent disciplinary practices and properly conduct terminations and layoffs during these turbulent economic times.Few supervisors enjoy managing discipline and discharge issues.An "undeserved" separation from employment due to, for example, a downturn in the economy, can be especially difficult.Now more than ever, HR must take the lead in workforce management, including, when necessary, conducting layoffs or terminations of employees in a systematic, logical, and effective manner. WHAT CHALLENGES DO ORGANIZATIONS FACE IN MANAGING THEIR WORKFORCE IN A DOWN ECONOMY?One of the most difficult tasks many organizations face in a recession is making decisions regarding terminations and layoffs.In times of a down economy or recession, employers often have to juggle: • Differentiating between terminations and layoffs; • Protecting the organization from legal liability; • Handling layoff meetings; • Allaying fears of remaining employees; • Keeping top employees from going elsewhere; and • Remotivating remaining employees after layoffs.All these considerations must be taken into account while the pressures of budget cuts, diminishing revenues, and customer retention are at an all-time high.