Headcount, hiring & workforce planning · Core
Layoff
Also called: job cut
ELI5
Employer-initiated separation or temporary suspension, meaning varying by jurisdiction.
Used in conversation
“Do not describe layoff as agreed until the operative document says so.”
Pitch context
You will see “Layoff” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches headcount, hiring & workforce planning.
Why it matters: In headcount, hiring & workforce planning, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 2
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Supporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16