Market Areas > Human Resources > RIF

RIF: Minimize Exposures, Limit Liabilities, Engage Survivors

Course Description:

How does an employer manage a reduction in force (RIF) legally, effectively and without creating massive turmoil for the survivors?

More than 1.2 million US workers became jobless in 2008; and according to a recent SHRM survey 39 percent of respondents stated their organizations will face future layoffs in 2009.

Job losses are an inevitable part of any economic downturn.  Yet, without a good plan it’s easy to stumble into decisions that could result in not only employee disengagement, but also potential liabilities for back pay, benefits, civil damages and the payment of employee legal fees.

Even when sound business reasons dictate that a RIF must be made, navigating the minefield of potential challenges requires careful and thoughtful planning.

In this critical CCM audio conference, you’ll discover why creating a thorough RIF plan may help your organization:

• Consider the critical considerations leading up to a RIF
• Properly approach a reduction-in-force that may change the nature of your organization
• Coordinate your internal communications with your external communications
• Re-engage survivors and enhance productivity

By the end of this invaluable session, you’ll have an understanding of :

• The current human capital environment
• Alternative steps to consider before reducing headcount
• Key techniques to perform a preliminary RIF evaluation
• Valuable criteria for reducing a significant number of employees
• Effective document and case reviews
• Information needed to satisfy the OWBPA, EEOC and WARN Act and criteria for statutory notice
• Key issues in reducing a union workforce
• How to manage the impact of a RIF on benefit plans
• Smart communication measures for managing your key stakeholders
• Which tools and software may be helpful in a RIF process
  

Featured Faculty:

Michelle Lewis-Blossman, Principal, Mercer Management Consulting Michelle is a Principal and Market Representative for Mercer’s HR Effectiveness consulting practice for the Americas.  Her primary focus is helping firms improve their performance, primarily through addressing changes in strategy, structure, systems and processes. Michelle has 15 years of professional experience that includes companies and organizations in various stages of their organizational lifecycle from start-ups and healthy mature companies to those in severe financial and operational distress. Prior to joining Mercer, Michelle was a Director for Alvarez & Marsal’s Public Sector Restructuring practice, an interim manager for numerous clients and the Practice’s human resources liaison. Prior to Alvarez & Marsal, Michelle was manager of the Southwest Region for Interaction Associates, a Cambridge-based change, learning and development firm and an Associate Director for The Alexander Group. Michelle began her career in client services with a Houston-based advertising agency.

Amy Karff Halevy, Partner, Bracewell & Guiliani Amy Karff Halevy counsels and represents employers in all areas of employment law.  Specifically, Ms. Halevy guides her business clients in the preparation and application of employment policies and procedures. She also represents employers in the litigation in state and federal court, and in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas workforce Commission, Human Rights Division.  Ms. Halevy has also spoken and written on many topics in employment law.

MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE:

We're so confident you'll get what you want out of this conference that we'll refund every penny if you're not completely satisfied. No questions asked! It's 100% risk-free!

Pricing:

Unable to Attend?  Order the CD!
Your CD recording includes the complete audio conference presentation, audience Q&A and presentation materials.

APPROVED FOR RECERTIFICATION CREDIT:

HRCI - Receive 1.5 recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org.

Each CCM event presents a variety of information and is presented for each organization to develop its own approach and methodology.