4 things to do as soon as layoff rumors hit the office, according to an HR professional with 20 years' worth of experience

Tue, 06/04/2024 - 11:21

Leigh Henderson sitting on the edge of a sofa smiling. — Leigh Henderson says she recommends that workers have a company exit strategy whether layoffs come to fruition or not.
Savina Mayfield

Leigh Henderson worked in HR for 20 years for five Fortune 100 companies.
She said workers should speak to a trusted source when layoff rumors start to spread in the office.
Henderson also suggests saving all personal documents and developing an exit strategy.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leigh Henderson, a 42-year-old CEO of HR Manifesto, in San Antonio. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I worked as an HR leader for nearly 20 years, supporting a handful of Fortune 100 organizations.