Across the United States, a multitude of compelling business concerns — an uncertain economy, mounting pressures to reduce costs and increase efficiency, and the increased use of automation and AI in the workplace, just to name a few — have led a number of companies to make the hard decision to strategically restructure their businesses through a reduction in force. As HR professionals and management know, though, implementing that decision can be just as challenging — not only from a legal standpoint, but from operational and public relations ones as well.
If your organization is considering a permanent reduction in the workforce through a RIF — or if you just want to be prepared in the event one ever becomes necessary — you won’t want to miss this important webinar in which McAfee & Taft labor and employment attorneys Courtney Bru, Jake Crawford, and Charlie Plumb walk you through the dos and don’ts of downsizing. Together, they’ll help you proactively identify and address the multi-faceted issues involved to effectively implement a downsizing plan and reduce your risk of claims brought by affected employees. Topics covered include:
- Best practices for handling a RIF
- How to identify factors that will affect your decisions, such as employment agreements and union contracts
- The selection process and the importance of documenting your process and decisions
- How to avoid (and defend against) claims of discrimination or unfairness
- Employer obligations under the WARN Act and Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA)
- Providing affected employees with advance notice — and the inherent risks of doing so
- Utilizing retention agreements after providing advance notice
- Handling anticipated phases/waves of a RIF
- Release and severance issues
Register below to receive immediate on-demand viewing access. NOTE: Pre-registration by January 20, 2026 was required to receive HRCI/SHRM credit.
