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The stand-up way to lay off

Published Fri, Jan 27, 2023 · 12:00 PM
    • Senior leadership must be visible in a retrenchment exercise, with the CEO taking on the role of the leading spokesperson for the announcement, says SMU's Kenneth Tai.
    • Senior leadership must be visible in a retrenchment exercise, with the CEO taking on the role of the leading spokesperson for the announcement, says SMU's Kenneth Tai. PHOTO: JASON QUAH, ST

    LAYOFFS can and should be carried out in a respectful and humane way, say researchers at Singapore’s business schools. Here’s how:

    1. Develop a clear communication plan

    Kenneth Tai, associate professor of organisational behaviour and human resources at Singapore Management University, said impacted employees should be provided with a clear and open explanation of why a layoff is necessary and what options the organisation has considered before resorting to retrenchment.

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