Be kind, just, considerate, etc. Many have covered these ideas, no need for me to repeat them.
What I will say is, you should consult with an attorney. It is all well and fine to go through life assuming that all people are good, honorable, ethical and even altruistic. Yet, it is even better to believe those things while taking steps towards protecting yourself and your company should you come across someone who deviates from such notions.
Why do I say this? Because I've been burned on more than one occasion by people who see a layoff as an opportunity to enrich themselves. If you don't know how to manage a layoff it is very likely that you will do and say things that will expose you and your company to liability. This is the part that sucks. You have to lawyer-up in order not to create a problem for yourself or your business. There are Federal and State laws you have to be aware of.
Spend a few hundred dollars to sit down with an attorney well versed in matters surrounding labor law and have him/her advise you on how to conduct the layoffs.
What I will say is, you should consult with an attorney. It is all well and fine to go through life assuming that all people are good, honorable, ethical and even altruistic. Yet, it is even better to believe those things while taking steps towards protecting yourself and your company should you come across someone who deviates from such notions.
Why do I say this? Because I've been burned on more than one occasion by people who see a layoff as an opportunity to enrich themselves. If you don't know how to manage a layoff it is very likely that you will do and say things that will expose you and your company to liability. This is the part that sucks. You have to lawyer-up in order not to create a problem for yourself or your business. There are Federal and State laws you have to be aware of.
Spend a few hundred dollars to sit down with an attorney well versed in matters surrounding labor law and have him/her advise you on how to conduct the layoffs.