Awkward situation / knowledge of employee layoffs

[Anonymous]

This is the tough part of being in HR. You have a lot of important information that others want, but they can't have, because it will cause chaos if it leaks out early.

Please trust your leadership within HR to control the timing, messaging, and execution of this layoff. Do not go off script.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say that I am not permitted to discuss it to absolutely everyone who asks. I wouldn’t lie.

And add, everyone should ensure their resume is up to date and be making connections for new possibilities.

[Anonymous]

It's insane that management announced the layoff in advance. That kills companies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just never acknowledge you had access to the list but encourage them to look for other opportunities in case they are let go and be supportive.

This is what I would do too - NOT in writing

[Anonymous]

you need a script that you use with everyone and you should getting written confirmation from your manager that he/she is OK with your script.

[Anonymous]

You know that there might be another list with your name on it? Don't be so sure of yourself.

[Anonymous]

you can't say anything if you want to keep your job. Imagine you say something to one of your friends and they decide to get angry and do something stupid. And as others have said, real friends wouldn't put you in this position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's insane that management announced the layoff in advance. That kills companies.

It's legally required in some places.

[Anonymous]

you say nothing, or be fired and reputation ruined. Also your friends have no idea if you know or not and once you tell one the rumors will start flying and it will get out of control. you just say your manager has updates if any,

[Anonymous]

“I’m doing my best to stay away from any of that info ahead of announcements.”

It’s not a lie. It just doesn’t openly say whether you know or not.

[Anonymous]

You work in HR. Isn’t confidentiality one of the main responsibilities of HR?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's insane that management announced the layoff in advance. That kills companies.

Sounds like the company is already poorly managed if they are laying people off. Why not give a heads up so that people can start looking for jobs? What is the actual harm from that? If someone in HR knows right now that a person will lose his or her job in a month, why not tell the employee ahead of time? The company gets time to plan but the employee doesn't?

[Anonymous]

You cannot say anything.