Key Terms
After layoffs
Keep lines open, share the company's vision, and directly acknowledge the layoffs. Pretending nothing happened creates a
CRITICAL DISTINCTION
Events must be genuine — not a distraction tactic. Employees can tell the difference between authentic team building and
Examples of objective criteria
Seniority, sales performance metrics.
At-will employment
Right of either party to end employment at any time for any legal reason; recognized in every state.
Downsizing
Reduction in workforce as a business cost-control decision.
EEOC
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; federal agency enforcing antidiscrimination laws.
EEO
Equal Employment Opportunity; body of workplace antidiscrimination laws.
FMLA
Family and Medical Leave Act; up to 12 weeks unpaid leave per year for qualifying family or medical reasons.
Firing
Termination for cause — poor performance, misconduct, or contract breach.
Layoff
Termination driven by a business decision; not the employee's fault.
OSHA Whistleblower Protection
Federal protection from retaliation for employees who report unlawful company behavior.
Termination
Separation of an employee from the organization; includes both layoffs and firings.