Layoffs are an unfortunate reality in the corporate world, often driven by budget constraints. While it is something we might all face at some point in our careers, the way layoffs are handled speaks volumes about an organization’s leadership and values. When it comes to budget cuts, organizations usually have two primary options: either implement no increments or salary cuts, or ask employees to resign. The latter should always be the last resort—a measure taken only after careful consideration of various factors, including the employee’s performance, integrity, position, and even their personal circumstances. Compassion should never be excluded from such decisions. Take Sam’s story, for instance. Sam is a consistent performer, receiving great ratings for the past two quarters. Positioned in the lower-middle hierarchy, Sam has dedicated over four years to the organization, contributing significantly during that time. However, when Neelambari, a senior leader, was tasked with budget cu...