Anticipating layoffs is never easy, but with smart planning and compassionate leadership, HR teams can guide their organizations—and employees—through the transition with care and confidence.
In a recent Forbes Human Resources Council article, 20 industry experts, including Crawford Thomas Recruiting President William Stonehouse III, shared essential strategies to help companies prepare for workforce reductions while protecting their people and business.
From assessing alternatives to layoffs to investing in internal redeployment, the overarching message is clear: transparency, empathy, and strategic foresight are the cornerstones of successful HR leadership in times of change. Experts emphasize the need for proactive communication, support services for impacted employees, and preserving trust with remaining team members. Key recommendations also include reskilling initiatives, career support, and aligning leadership early to uphold organizational morale.
Standing out among the experts is William Stonehouse III, President of Crawford Thomas Recruiting. William stresses the importance of “transparency and proactive communication” when preparing for reductions in force. He advises HR leaders to identify critical roles, evaluate workloads, and consider alternatives like redeployment or upskilling before letting people go. With decades of industry insight, William’s approach is grounded in respect, responsibility, and resilience.
Stonehouse’s contributions to Forbes go well beyond this article—he is a regular contributor and a highly active member of the Forbes Human Resources Council. His expertise has been featured in dozens of Forbes publications, where he consistently brings practical, people-focused advice on hiring trends, workforce strategy, and talent development. His work continues to influence HR professionals across industries.
For companies navigating today’s unpredictable hiring landscape, Crawford Thomas Recruiting stands ready to help. As a nationally recognized recruiting firm, they specialize in finding top talent and helping organizations stay ahead of industry shifts—whether you’re scaling up, adjusting, or rebuilding. Partnering with a proactive and experienced recruiting firm like Crawford Thomas ensures you’re prepared for what’s next.
Special thanks to the 20 industry leaders from the Forbes Human Resources Council whose insights shaped this valuable article.