Dive Brief:

• Employees say that their employer's reputation is important to them, according to a new white paper from RiseSmart, a Randstad outplacement provider; and part of protecting that brand is handling layoffs well.
• Insights on Job Seekers in Transition – What Every Employer Needs to Know found that among the more than 1,000 U.S. and Canadian workers that experienced a layoff, 81% said a company's reputation is important, and more than half said they wouldn't work for an organization with a bad reputation if it were the only job offer they received. 
• RiseSmart recommends that employers communicate openly with all members of their workforce; work to show that the company cares about laid-off workers; and consider hiring an outplacement provider.

Dive Insight:

When handled poorly, the layoff process can have a lasting effect on laid-off workers, those who remain and the employer's brand.

Transparency is key to ensuring the process goes smoothly, and regular communication is a must; many opt for town-hall meetings and one-on-one talks, as they can better demonstrate empathy. Doing so can reduce the chance that employees will air their grievances online, which can tarnish the company's reputation and make future recruiting efforts difficult.

Any layoff will be difficult, but with transparent communication and solid support, employers can work to put everyone in a good position to move forward.