Email to the remaining team after layoffs
The people who stay are anxious and watching. Say what happened, what changes for them this week, and when you will speak next.
Subject: Where we are as a team
Team, I know today was hard. [who left] were let go, and I am sorry for them and for all of us who worked with them. This week: [what changes for the team]. What does not change: [what does not change]. I do not have every answer yet, and I will tell you when I do. We will talk as a team [when you will speak next], and my door is open before then. Thank you for how you have handled today. [your name]
How to get it right
- Send it the same day. A silence after layoffs is filled with rumors.
- Be honest about what you do not know. “I do not know yet” is better than a guess you must take back.
- Say specifically who covers what. Unclear ownership is the first problem after a layoff.
- Meet one on one with your closest people within 48 hours. They are also deciding whether to stay.
- Never promise there will be no more layoffs unless you are certain.
Questions about this template
- What do you say to employees after a layoff?
- Acknowledge what happened, say who covers what, name what does not change, admit what you do not know and say when you will speak again.
- Should I promise no more layoffs?
- Only if you are certain. A promise you must break destroys trust faster than an honest “I do not know.”
- How soon should a manager send it?
- The same day. The longer people wait, the more the rumors do the talking.
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