Remote work has exploded since the COVID-19 pandemic began with some employers hiring employees to work remotely anywhere in the United States.
With the recent economic downturn, layoffs are beginning to occur, and for the first time a significant number of remote employees may be included in layoffs. Layoffs of remote employees present unique legal hazards for employers.
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The Hazards of Remote Employee Layoffs: Wage and Hour Issues, Severance Agreements, and Unemployment Claims
Ogletree via SHRM | Jun 2022
Compliance with WARN for Remote Workers
Maynard Nexsen | Jan 2024
Employers Beware: Risks with Reductions in Force Involving a Remote Workforce
Polsinelli | Sep 2022
Note: This content is limited to conducting a layoff of remote workers. For a more broad overview of conducting layoffs, see the SHRM How-to Guide.
How to Conduct a Remote Layoff
As more people work remotely, and furloughs and job losses are announced daily, some individuals are learning their fate through e-mail. "Using e-mail to deliver that type of message is like breaking up with someone over text message," said Trisha Cuzdey, SHRM-CP, of Integra HR. "I can see why employers think it's a good idea. It's quicker and simpler. But the long-term message it sends to the employee is not beneficial."
How to Communicate Layoffs to Remote Employees
SHRM | Jul 2020
Virtual firings should be conducted just like its in-person counterpart, these experts say. Employers should have ample documentation, adhere to legal and industry guidelines, and arrange for the return of any company-owned property.
The art of giving out virtual pink-slips
Axios | Jun 2022
Including both HR and the employee's manager can eliminate the need for multiple conversations.
Conducting a Remote Layoff
McGohan Brabender | May 2020
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As layoffs rock tech firms, experts share how to dismiss workers with empathy—and preserve brand reputation
Fortune | Jun 2022
Why Your Approach To Layoffs Matters
Forbes | May 2022
Firing Employees Remotely—Three Guiding Principles
Bloomberg Law | Mar 2022
When Remote Layoffs Are Inevitable, How to Cut Ties Gracefully
Inc. | Feb 2022
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Are widespread layoffs coming? How the pandemic has changed employers' recession strategy
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'Zoom firing': Are virtual layoffs the future?
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