DU Handling Layoffs with Compassion and Unpleasant Events Discussion

I’m working on a management discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Part 1: Handling Layoffs With Compassion

Human resource departments often take center stage when unpleasant events such as disputes, substandard performance, and downsizing occur.

Employees need to be able to trust their human resource professionals to maintain appropriate confidentiality and a balanced perspective.

For departing employees, HR is often the last stop on their way out the door.

HR managers are thus in charge of leaving a favorable impression with the employee and collecting helpful input from the exit interview.

This is never truer than when organizations terminate employees in layoffs.

Question(s): Do you feel that the following statements are true or false? Explain your views.

1. Employees who think the layoff process was handled fairly are more apt to recommend the company to others and to return to work if asked.
2. Employees who survive a layoff and stay employed with the company also evaluate the fairness of the downsizing process .

Part 2 :

• How do you define Strategic Human Resource Management? What has influenced your thoughts?
• What key HRM experiences have informed your thinking?