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.
Read the rest of the article:
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
The following publications allow limited free articles without a subscription.
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
Related Reading
Are widespread layoffs coming? How the pandemic has changed employers' recession strategy
LA Times | Jul 2022
'Zoom firing': Are virtual layoffs the future?
BBC | Jun 2022
Related Content
As artificial intelligence technology continues to develop, the demand for workers with the ability to work alongside and manage AI systems will increase. This means that workers who are not able to adapt and learn these new skills will be left behind in the job market.
A vast majority of U.S. professionals say students entering the workforce should have experience using AI and be prepared to use it in the workplace, and they expect higher education to play a critical role in that preparation.
Advertisement
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
Advertisement