Letter to BS: Good sign that firms think about employees before layoffs

Layoffs should be well thought out as it could affect the morale of the employee

This refers to Shubhomoy Sikdar’s report “Separation without tears” (September 19). As the frequency and the number of employees affected by layoffs increase, it is a good sign that Indian companies are adopting a structured and humane approach to the issue. Three concerns are critical. First, layoffs, particularly when a large number of employees are involved, should not come as a surprise. A company-wide awareness programme is the first step in which the company must explain why the move had become necessary and also what the company did do to try and prevent layoffs.

Second, there should be a well-thought out