294: Layoffs Ahead? Here’s How to Stay Human (and Keep Your Team’s Trust)

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles one of the toughest parts of leadership: layoffs. When budgets shrink and change feels unavoidable, how do you show up with empathy, clarity, and integrity? Spoiler: it’s not just about delivering the news—it's about leading through uncertainty with heart. From the emotional toll of workforce reductions to the ripple effects on culture and trust, Erin shares what leaders often get wrong—and how to get it right. With seven actionable tips, this episode is a masterclass in human-first leadership during hard times. Whether you're facing tough decisions, navigating team transitions, or simply want to lead with more care and clarity, this conversation is a must-listen reset for today’s evolving workplace. Inside This Episode: Why layoffs require more than just logistics—they require emotional intelligence The power of early, frequent, and honest communication How to acknowledge emotions without losing momentum Why direct managers need to be involved (not just HR) The lasting impact of how you treat employees on the way out How to retain trust and morale in the wake of change Why team check-ins matter more than ever during uncertainty How to empower your team to co-create what’s next Why self-care is a leadership strategy, not a luxury Who This Episode Is For: This one’s for the leaders in transition, the HR pros in the hot seat, and anyone who’s had to make the hard calls. If you’re navigating layoffs, reorgs, or any kind of change—and you want to do it without losing your team’s trust or your own sense of self—this episode is your guide to leading with empathy, communication, and courage. Take a break from your emails, slam your laptop shut for 30ish minutes, and come have a Workday Playdate with us. Ready to take one small step toward showing up with more clarity and confidence? Download our newest freebie— The Confident Leader’s Toolkit —a 4-step guide to crafting a professional persona that actually feels like you. This plug-and-play resource helps you define how you want to be seen, align your presence with your purpose, and lead with authenticity (not performance). No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here . Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .