
201: Layoff Series: Conducting Layoffs with Dignity feat. Jena Dunay
10/22/24 • 33 min
**No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com**
In this episode of the Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources podcast, Traci discusses the challenging topic of layoffs with Jena Dunay, founder of Recruit the Employer, an outplacement and career development firm. They explore how to conduct layoffs with dignity and how organizations can recover internally after such events.
Guest: Jena Dunay
Jena Dunay is the founder of Recruit the Employer, an outplacement and career development firm. She is a LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 167,000 learners and has been featured on Business Insider, Forbes, Built In, The Skimm, and The Muse.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. (03:44) The importance of aligning layoff processes with company core values
2. (07:14) The significance of off-boarding as much as onboarding
3. (13:02) Planning and communication strategies for layoffs
4. (16:06) The role of outplacement services in supporting exiting employees
5. (25:43) Addressing survivor's guilt among remaining employees
6. (28:36) Rebuilding trust and culture after layoffs
Highlights:
Layoffs should be conducted with dignity, reflecting the company's core values
Proper planning and communication are crucial for a smooth layoff process
Outplacement services can provide valuable support to exiting employees
Leaders should own their mistakes and maintain open communication during layoffs
Rebuilding trust between senior leadership and middle management is essential
Organizations should focus on rebuilding culture after layoffs
Connect with Jena Dunay:
Website: https://recruittheemployer.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenadunay/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://bywinona.com/employers
-https://fsastore.com/winona.html
Connect with Traci:
Visit our website:
Don't miss the next installment of our layoff series! Tune in next week as we continue to explore this important topic with more expert insights and practical strategies for HR professionals.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful discussion on conducting layoffs with dignity! If you found our conversation valuable, please take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about human resources and leadership. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and give this episode a 👍🏼
Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.
**No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com**
In this episode of the Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources podcast, Traci discusses the challenging topic of layoffs with Jena Dunay, founder of Recruit the Employer, an outplacement and career development firm. They explore how to conduct layoffs with dignity and how organizations can recover internally after such events.
Guest: Jena Dunay
Jena Dunay is the founder of Recruit the Employer, an outplacement and career development firm. She is a LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 167,000 learners and has been featured on Business Insider, Forbes, Built In, The Skimm, and The Muse.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. (03:44) The importance of aligning layoff processes with company core values
2. (07:14) The significance of off-boarding as much as onboarding
3. (13:02) Planning and communication strategies for layoffs
4. (16:06) The role of outplacement services in supporting exiting employees
5. (25:43) Addressing survivor's guilt among remaining employees
6. (28:36) Rebuilding trust and culture after layoffs
Highlights:
Layoffs should be conducted with dignity, reflecting the company's core values
Proper planning and communication are crucial for a smooth layoff process
Outplacement services can provide valuable support to exiting employees
Leaders should own their mistakes and maintain open communication during layoffs
Rebuilding trust between senior leadership and middle management is essential
Organizations should focus on rebuilding culture after layoffs
Connect with Jena Dunay:
Website: https://recruittheemployer.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenadunay/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://bywinona.com/employers
-https://fsastore.com/winona.html
Connect with Traci:
Visit our website:
Don't miss the next installment of our layoff series! Tune in next week as we continue to explore this important topic with more expert insights and practical strategies for HR professionals.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful discussion on conducting layoffs with dignity! If you found our conversation valuable, please take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about human resources and leadership. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and give this episode a 👍🏼
Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.
Previous Episode

200. Milestone, Myths & Giveaway: 200th Episode Special
In this 200th episode of the Bringing the Human back to Human Resources podcast, Traci celebrates this milestone and discusses the recent Monster Work Watch Report 2024.
She critically analyzes workplace trends and statistics, encouraging listeners to think critically about generalized reports. Traci also announces a special giveaway to celebrate the 200th episode milestone.
Connect with Traci here: https://linktr.ee/HRTraci
Visit our website: HRTraci.com
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Monster Work Watch Report 2024
- Traci's Instagram for giveaway details
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and 200th episode celebration 05:00 Announcement of the giveaway 10:00 Discussion of Monster Work Watch Report 2024 20:00 Critical analysis of workplace trends and statistics 30:00 Encouragement for critical thinking about reports 35:00 Closing thoughts and gratitude to listeners
We hope you enjoyed this special 200th episode celebration and insightful discussion on workplace trends!
If you found our conversation valuable, please take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about human resources and leadership.
You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and give this video a 👍🏼
Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.
Next Episode

202. Layoff Series: Taking Care of HR - Because We're Human Too
In this episode of the Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources podcast, Traci continues the layoff series by addressing the critical topic of self-care for HR professionals during layoffs and how to support both departing and remaining employees through these challenging transitions.
Key Topics Discussed:
(00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode with Jenna Dunay
(02:05) The emotional toll of layoffs on HR professionals
(03:00) Signs of emotional exhaustion and burnout
(04:52) Strategies for managing stress during layoffs
(11:29) Best practices for managing the layoff process
(15:53) Supporting remaining employees and addressing survivor's guilt
(17:15) Communication strategies post-layoff
(18:14) Rebuilding morale after layoffs
Highlights:
HR professionals must prioritize self-care to effectively support others
Creating clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential
Signs of burnout include emotional exhaustion, sleep issues, and numbness
Layoff conversations should be conducted in private spaces with empathy
Common reactions from remaining employees include fear, anger, and productivity drops
Regular, transparent communication is crucial for rebuilding trust
Team-building events and recognition programs help rebuild morale
Self-Care Strategies Discussed: - Schedule breaks between difficult meetings- Create end-of-day shutdown rituals
Join HR peer support communities
Seek professional support when needed
Establish clear work-life boundaries
Connect with Traci:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://HRTraci.com
Instagram: @HRTraci
Don't miss the next installment of our layoff series! Tune in next week as we continue to explore this important topic, followed by a special guest who challenges traditional HR functions.
If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more HR professionals who are passionate about bringing humanity back to human resources.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and give this video a 👍🏼 Connect with Traci here: https://linktr.ee/HRTraci Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.
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