Layoffs via e-mail

Every once in a while I read about a "hot" workplace trend that makes me stand back and shudder. Such was the case this morning when I learned about a a new national survey that revealed that 10% of U.S employees say their company has used email to fire or lay off employees. And 17% indicated their boss used emails to avoid other difficult face-to-face conversations. The national survey of 752 US workers was conducted in May and June 2007 by Harris Interactive for The Marlin Company.

I was an HR Director for almost a decade and during that time I had to deal with laying off employees. It's a nasty job -- one that made my stomach turn and lose sleep at night. But no matter how dreaded the task, I just can't imagine how any company can justify handling this job by e-mail. It is cowardly, irresponsible and immoral.

Through my work on Layoffsurvivalguide.com , I have met hundreds of people who have been laid-off. Until you've been through the experience yourself, it is difficult to understand the fear and uncertainty that accompanies this process.

Companies should be working towards helping these former employees, not adding to their challenges. I certainly hope the public outrage against this dehumanizing corporate action will be strong enough to shame these companies and force them to reconsider their misguided policies.