The Importance of Direct Communication

Laid-off employees benefit from receiving news directly from their managers, as this approach fosters kindness and understanding in difficult conversations. Avoiding this directness often leads to miscommunication, poor planning, and feelings of frustration among those affected. The emotional impact of layoffs can be managed better if communication acknowledges the humanity behind the roles being affected. Thus, conducting layoffs as transactions disregards the personal connections and feelings involved, often leaving employees feeling alienated.