Remember to speak slowly and calmly. Manager: I've called this meeting because I must unfortunately inform you that your position with the company is being eliminated. We do not have another position for you. This means you are being laid off and Human Resources will work with you to complete your transition.
Most important, never talk about how difficult this decision has been for you. “That is irrelevant,” Stybel says. “The employee doesn't care about your feelings right now.” Letting go of an employee is a demanding task that “takes a toll” on even the most experienced managers, says Stybel.
Is it better to quit or be laid off? Unless you have significant savings or another job lined up, being laid off may be preferable to quitting your job. You're likely to qualify for unemployment benefits, for which you would be ineligible if you quit.
There is nothing dishonorable about getting fired. It happens to outstanding employees all the time. If it happens to you, remember that not every manager — or every employer — deserves your talents.
Being laid off can be an overwhelming and stressful experience of loss and change. For some people, a layoff could be a welcome relief from a difficult job situation or looked at as potential for moving on in their life. But for others a job loss can have a significant emotional impact.
Yes, you should always be honest and upfront about being laid off. It's not a good idea to try to hide that you were laid off or act tight-lipped or reserved when the topic comes up. Doing so can only reflect poorly on you.
It's perfectly fine to tell someone that you're simply no longer working for your former employer–they'll most likely understand and not ask questions. However, in some cases, explaining your layoff gives the person context and helps them better tailor their advice for your situation.
Losing a job is common. In the U.S., 40% of workers experienced being laid off or terminated from work at least once.
Factors That Layoff Decisions Are Frequently Based On
One of the biggest is your term of employment. Many organizations will first lay off employees who have been with the company for the shortest amount of time.
December is often the second-highest month for job cuts. January is worse.
These companies may follow the rule of “last in, first out” to prioritize layoffs—meaning that the most recent employees to be hired will be the first to be let go. Although its rare, some employers choose to offer severance pay to incentivize workers to leave on their own instead of being selected by management.
You are not eligible for unemployment benefits unless you are fired from a job. If you choose to resign and your company does not to offer you a severance package, this leaves you with no income while you begin to look for a new job. Each company has different policies when it comes to terminating employees.
A common reason top performers leave jobs is boredom and stagnation, which can lead them to start looking for their next challenge elsewhere. Employee training programs are one way to engage high-performing employees with new challenges, but it doesn't stop there.
You are right to be aware that your prospective employer may check on the reasons you left your job. Most employers conduct background or reference checks during the interview process. If you've been terminated for cause, it may well come up during their investigation.
The advantages of quitting instead of being fired include the possibility of negotiating severance and a positive recommendation. Disadvantages of quitting include forfeiting the right to claim unemployment. Any time you think your job is in danger, it's a good idea to start looking for a new job just in case.
The quick answer is yes, you can approach either HR or your manager about getting laid off. Which one you choose depends on your relationship with both people. If you have a good relationship with your manager and she isn't likely to fire you for asking, then go to her first.
Furloughs can be a short-term way to avoid at least some layoffs, according to Jill Chapman, senior performance consultant at Insperity, a professional employer organization (PEO). This can save money without losing employees altogether, she said. A furlough is a mandatory but temporary leave of absence.
Absences and Poor Performance
Employee motivation goes down if they notice some co-workers aren't working as hard. Poor performance and chronic absences are a reason for termination. If productivity slips, it may be time for a talk. If the behavior does not change, then it may be time for termination.