Layoffs (also known as reductions in force) are one of the hardest and highest-stakes actions for a manager. In mission-driven organizations, the stakes feel even higher. Our work relies on people power and we set out to make the world better, more just, and more livable. Conducting layoffs is not where we want to be.
If you’ve found yourself in this position, you might be wondering:
- How do I conduct layoffs ethically and in a values-aligned way?
- What steps do I take to conduct layoffs?
- Who do I need to consult?
- What do I say?
The decisions you make about layoffs and how you show up as a leader can have lasting impacts on your organization’s culture, people, and ability to fulfill your mission. While there’s no “right way” to conduct layoffs, there are mistakes to avoid and approaches that mission-driven organizations can take to lessen the harm.
The most important thing you can do is carefully plan your approach, decision points, timeline, and communication.
This Layoffs Toolkit for Leaders provides concrete tools, samples, and templates, including:
- A checklist for decision-makers
- A framework for making decisions about budget cuts
- Sample guiding principles for making layoff decisions
- And templates for stakeholder engagement, FAQs, and more
Before You Begin…
Whether you’re considering layoffs due to changes in the political and funding landscapes or because you or a predecessor made some mistakes, the most important first step to planning layoffs is focusing on your sphere of control.
Here are the things within your control:
- How you align your actions with your values
- How you stay emotionally and mentally grounded
- How well you plan for layoffs
- How you communicate with your leadership team, managers, staff, and stakeholders
- How you practice fair process
- How you lead and manage your team to sustain your most critical work, even while navigating difficult changes
It is possible to navigate this difficult process in a way that leads with your values, considers people’s wellbeing, and centers your organization’s mission and strategy.
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