How long should a layoff meeting last?

Ten minutes or fewer. The news, the reason in a sentence, what the person will receive and the next steps. Anything longer drifts into debate.

Should HR be in the room?

Yes. HR covers the details and is a second witness. The manager delivers the news; HR handles the paperwork.

What if the employee becomes upset?

Pause, offer a moment, and say you understand. Do not touch, argue or try to fix it. Offer to continue later with HR.

Should I send the layoff letter at the same time?

Give it at the meeting so the facts are in writing. The layoff letter template on this site covers the contents.

Script: how to tell an employee they are being laid off

Keep it under ten minutes. Say it in the first sentence, do not apologize your way around it, and finish with exactly what happens next.

Open (first 30 seconds)
"[employee’s first name], thank you for meeting. I have difficult news: [reason, in one plain sentence]. Your last day will be [last day]."

Pause. Let them react. Do not fill the silence.

If they ask why me
"The decision was about the role and the needs of the business, not your performance. I can tell you it was not an easy decision."

What happens now
"You will receive [what they will receive]. [hr contact]. We are also providing help with your job search."

Close
"I am sorry. You have done good work here, and I will gladly be a reference. Is there anything you need from me right now?"

Do not say: "I know how you feel", "everything happens for a reason", or anything about who else was affected.

How to get it right

Say the news in the first sentence. People remember the first thirty seconds and nothing after it.
Hold the meeting in person or on video, early in the week and early in the day, with HR present. Never on a Friday afternoon.
Do not argue, negotiate or debate the decision. If they push, repeat the sentence calmly and offer HR.
Have the letter, the benefits information and the equipment return plan ready before you start.
Do not mention performance, age, leave or any protected trait. State the business reason only, as your lawyer agrees.

Questions about this template

How long should a layoff meeting last?: Ten minutes or fewer. The news, the reason in a sentence, what the person will receive and the next steps. Anything longer drifts into debate.
Should HR be in the room?: Yes. HR covers the details and is a second witness. The manager delivers the news; HR handles the paperwork.
What if the employee becomes upset?: Pause, offer a moment, and say you understand. Do not touch, argue or try to fix it. Offer to continue later with HR.
Should I send the layoff letter at the same time?: Give it at the meeting so the facts are in writing. The layoff letter template on this site covers the contents.

Read the guide

How to lay off employees: employer checklist

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