The Modern Manager 379: What Every Manager Should Know About Leading Through Layoffs with Leanne Elliott
Layoffs are some of the hardest moments a manager can face. How you handle them can shape not just the experience of the employees leaving but also the morale and trust of the team that remains.
Today’s guest brings expert guidance on navigating these challenges with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
Leanne Elliot is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Consultant, and Coach with a proven track record of building workplaces that empower teams and enable performance. She is also co-host of the award-winning psychology podcast, Truth, Lies & Work. Breaking into the prestigious HubSpot Podcast Network in 2022. The show is dedicated to helping business leaders simplify the science of the workplace.
In this episode, Leanne explains how managers can approach layoffs thoughtfully, manage confidentiality effectively, communicate clearly, and care for both departing employees and the remaining team. She shares practical frameworks to make these tough conversations more human and less stressful.
In the extended members-only conversation, Leanne dives deeper into strategies for managers who are themselves being laid off and how to prepare for career transitions while maintaining professional composure.
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Conversation Topics
- (00:00) Introduction
- (01:59) Layoffs vs Firings
- (03:15) Managing Confidentiality and Clear Communication
- (04:51) A Manager's Role in Layoff Decisions
- (07:30) Supporting Remaining Team Members After a Layoff
- (12:05) Practical Frameworks for The Tough Conversation
- (16:40) Creating a Compassionate Layoff Process
- (20:15) Key Behavioral Science Insights for Managers
- (24:50) Maintaining Team Morale and Trust
- (29:07) Connect with Leanne
- (31:23) [Extended Episode Only] Supporting Your Team After a Layoff
- (34:05) [Extended Episode Only] If You Are the One Being Laid Off
📚 Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here
- Visit my website for more here
- Upskill your team here
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here
Keep up with Leanne Elliot
- Follow Leanne on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/
- Follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork/
- Learn more on her website here: https://truthliesandwork.com/
- Explore Oblong HQ here: https://oblonghq.com/
Guest Bonus: 1 FREE Career Transition Coaching Program
This free three-session coaching program helps you navigate career transitions with psychology-based tools and practical support. You’ll reflect on past experiences, clarify your values, and set clear goals for your future work.
Learn more about the program here.
Enter the drawing by November 7, 2025.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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