The increase in layoffs that started during the pandemic seems to be continuing into 2024. While there is a lot of discussion in HR circles about the pros and cons of layoffs (this Harvard Business Review article highlights how the short-term cost savings provided by a layoff are overshadowed by bad publicity, loss of knowledge, weakened engagement, higher voluntary turnover, and lower innovation), the reality is that layoffs are often necessary. And HR plays a key role in managing and effecting lay offs.
