Layoffs: Example Script
Greeting:
PI/Manager:
Hi, _______________. Thank you for coming.
Deliver Your Message:
(speak slowly and try to deliver the message calmly and firmly)
PI/Manager:
I asked you to meet with me because I have some important, but
difficult news that I need to tell you. I’m sorry to have to tell you that
your position has been eliminated. We do not currently have another
position for you, so this means that you are being laid off. Here is the
official notice of your layoff.
Hand the notice to the employee
and wait for him or her to read it and take in the
content.
PI/Manager:
You may be aware that we are currently experiencing (funding issues /
budget cutbacks / lab closures / a rightsizing of the organization /
reorganization). We have to implement some difficult decisions.
I’d like you to know that this is not something that we decided in a
hurry. We spent many hours carefully reviewing all the options. The
decision is final.
Pause for a bit.
PI/Manager:
This is difficult news, so I’d like to give you a chance to ask any
questions that you might have. Did I make the situation clear to you?
Answer any questions.
Be honest and forthright, and be prepared for a range of possible
emotional reactions. You need to take the time to deal with an emotional response before you
go on to discuss further practical matters.
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