Business OS
Human ResourcesTermination & Exit

Checklist Pre-Layoff

This checklist helps businesses prepare for and execute employee layoffs, ensuring all necessary steps are considered and followed in a structured manner. It should be used when an organisation is contemplating or has decided upon a workforce reduction.

Updated 15d ago
layoffredundancyterminationhuman resourcesHRemployeeworkforce reductionSME

Company Letterhead

{{company_name}}

{{company_address}}

Phone: {{company_phone}}

Email: {{company_email}}

Website: {{company_website}}

PRE-LAYOFF CHECKLIST

Date: {{date}}

Prepared by: {{preparer_name}}

Department: {{department}}

1. Strategic Planning & Justification

1.1. Review business rationale for layoffs:

- Financial necessity (e.g., declining revenue, cost cutting): {{financial_necessity_details}}

- Reorganization/restructuring: {{reorganization_details}}

- Technological changes: {{technological_changes_details}}

1.2. Explore alternatives to layoffs (e.g., reduced hours, salary freezes, voluntary separation): {{alternatives_explored}}

1.3. Define objectives of the layoff: {{layoff_objectives}}

3. Employee Identification & Communication

3.1. Identify specific positions/employees to be affected: {{affected_employees_list}}

3.2. Prepare individual notification letters/packets: {{notification_packet_details}}

3.3. Plan communication strategy for affected employees, remaining employees, and external stakeholders: {{communication_strategy_details}}

3.4. Schedule individual meetings for notification: {{notification_meeting_dates}}

4. Financial & Benefits Considerations

4.1. Calculate severance packages: {{severance_calculation_method}}

4.2. Determine payment of outstanding leave (annual leave, sick leave): {{leave_payout_details}}

4.3. Review continuation of benefits (e.g., medical aid, pension fund) and timelines: {{benefits_continuation_details}}

4.4. Prepare final paychecks and necessary tax documents: {{final_paycheck_details}}

5. Support & Outplacement

5.1. Arrange for outplacement services (e.g., resume writing, job search assistance): {{outplacement_services_details}}

5.2. Provide information on unemployment benefits: {{unemployment_benefits_info_provided}}

5.3. Offer internal support resources (e.g., EAP if available) for emotional well-being: {{internal_support_resources}}

6. Logistical & Administrative Tasks

6.1. Plan for return of company property (laptops, phones, access cards, etc.): {{company_property_return_plan}}

6.2. Revoke access to company systems and facilities: {{access_revocation_plan}}

6.3. Update internal records and organizational charts: {{record_update_plan}}

6.4. Prepare for potential press inquiries: {{press_inquiry_plan}}

7. Post-Layoff Actions

7.1. Conduct internal debriefing with management and HR: {{debriefing_date}}

7.2. Monitor morale of remaining employees and address concerns: {{morale_monitoring_plan}}

7.3. Evaluate effectiveness of the layoff process and outcomes: {{evaluation_details}}

7.4. Provide support to remaining employees (e.g., workload redistribution, training): {{remaining_employee_support}}

Signature Block

_____________________________

{{managing_director_name}}

Managing Director

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