RPJ Partner Helen D. Reavis Featured in SHRM Article “Viral Video Draws Attention to Layoff Process Via Zoom”

RPJ Partner Helen D. “Heidi” Reavis was recently extensively featured in the Human Resources publication, SHRM, discussing some of the dos and don’ts of video termination, from both a legal and leadership perspective.  The article, inspired by a viral video of a woman being terminated over Zoom by two people whom she had never before met, explores how to most respectfully and practically separate employees when such action becomes necessary, the perils of abrupt or tone-deaf action, and guidelines to employers for such discussions.

Ms. Reavis advises employers to focus on empathy and helpful next steps, as opposed to recriminations, playing the “blame game” or telling employees how they should feel.  The HR team should check their own paperwork, focus on practical aspects of what is to come, and work to avoid coming off as demeaning or disingenuous.  Ms. Reavis stressed how “the sands of employment law shift quickly and employers are well advised not to presume yesterday’s standards apply today.”  For more information on the termination process and related laws, read the article linked here as a pdf or on the SHRM website here.