If your unit is considering workforce adjustments, using the guidance and resources on this page will help ensure employees are treated fairly, and with compassion and care.

If you and your leadership are exploring workforce reductions, please:

1. Consult your HR Business Partner.
2. Together, seek the guidance of Employee & Labor Relations.
3. Review the guides and web pages linked in sidebar and below.

Workforce Reduction Options

• Objective: Preserve career positions
• Consider voluntary measures first
• Explore temporary measures before permanent
• Indefinite layoffs are a last resort
• Download Managing Workforce Adjustments - People First: Balancing Logistics and Compassion (.pdf)

Communicating Workforce Changes and Layoffs

Carefully plan your communications and show compassion and patience to affected employees.

• Preparation
• Telling the employee
• Telling the team
• Moving forward
• Download Communicating Workforce Changes and Layoffs Guide (.pdf)

Putting People First

Ask yourself the following before reducing your workforce:

• Have you explored other cost-saving measures?
• Can you end engagements with external consultants?
• Do you have vacant positions that can remain unfilled?
• Can you enact temporary reductions?
• Do employees know?
  • They may be able to voluntarily reduce their time through an Employee-Initiated Reduction In Time (ERIT) program.
  • The Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) offers severance pay to eligible staff.