"Today is your last day."

That's how my former superviser communicated the stark fact that I was being laid off.  Was it the right way to do things?  Maybe yes; maybe no.

In a recent conversation with a client, we were discussing the importantce of communicating layoffs in today's environment.  The challenge, we agreed, is in letting the person know that he or she is being let go for reasons that are, to a certain extent, beyond anyone's control at the company. 

Every round of layoffs at a company should come with a simple message: People are not being let go because their performance was lacking.  The reduction in headcount is a way to reduce expenses.  Like anything else, this should be communicated to employees.

However, more importantly, management must be mindful and ensure the company's actions jive with the message.  Are senior managers taking a pay cut?  What superfluous perks are being shed?  How do these cuts fit into a larger financial plan for the company?

Managers often forget that when it comes to corporate communications, employees make up an important audience.  When crafting messages and devising a communications strategy, companies must often begin with employees.  They are, after all, ambassadors to everyone else.

There is no doubt the coming months will see many rounds of layoffs in various sectors.  If you're on the management side and have the unfortunate task of letting people go, make sure to spend time thinking about the key messages you want to impart as you do.