Managing Layoffs with Care: Legal, Strategic, and Respectful Workforce Reductions
June
04
2026
(Thursday)
Time
10:00 AM PDT | 01:00 PM EDT
Duration: 60 Minutes
33 Days Left To REGISTER
Id: 212161
Duration: 60 Minutes
33 Days Left To REGISTER
Id: 212161
Instructor
Wendy Sellers
Wendy Sellers
Overview
Workforce reductions - layoffs and reductions in force (RIFs) - are among the most difficult decisions leaders face-especially when driven by economic pressures, restructuring, or business realignment. While layoffs are not specifically performance-based terminations, they carry significant legal, operational, and human risks if handled improperly.
Areas Covered in the Session
- Understand the legal framework surrounding layoffs, including federal and state considerations such as discrimination laws, WARN Act obligations, and retaliation risks
- Distinguish layoffs from performance-based terminations and why that distinction matters legally and culturally
- Identify the legal and practical risks of poor layoff decision-making, including disparate impact and wrongful termination claims
- Apply fair, objective, and defensible criteria when selecting employees for layoffs
- Communicate layoff decisions clearly and compassionately, using structured messaging and sample conversations
- Prepare documentation and severance materials to reduce risk and support compliance
- Manage post-layoff responsibilities, including morale, survivor engagement, and organizational integrity
Who Will Benefit
- All
Speaker Profile
Wendy Sellers Wendy Sellers, is a committed business ally and HR expert, holding multiple academic qualifications along with a broad array of HR certifications and licenses. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years, she has contributed her expertise across various HR disciplines including operations, downsizing, change management, corporate culture, and both remote and traditional workplace environments, as well as in coaching, training, HR education, and leadership development.
She firmly believes that the workforce is the most valuable asset of any organization, advocating for the necessity of training and empowering management, supervisors, and employees alike to excel in their respective roles. To her, ensuring these individuals are prepared and effective is not just beneficial, but essential. Known as “The HR Lady®”, she provides training on HR compliance specifically for administrators and covers the broader spectrum of employee management for managers, from recruitment to dismissal.
She firmly believes that the workforce is the most valuable asset of any organization, advocating for the necessity of training and empowering management, supervisors, and employees alike to excel in their respective roles. To her, ensuring these individuals are prepared and effective is not just beneficial, but essential. Known as “The HR Lady®”, she provides training on HR compliance specifically for administrators and covers the broader spectrum of employee management for managers, from recruitment to dismissal.
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