Laid-off

The term 'laid-off' describes the state of being terminated from a job, usually due to economic reasons, company restructuring, or a lack of available work, and often is distinct from being fired for cause. This involuntary job loss typically results in the severance of employment and the loss of wages and benefits. Layoffs can be temporary or permanent, and frequently involve a reduction in the workforce. While sometimes offering severance packages, these layoffs significantly impact the affected individuals' livelihoods and financial stability, prompting a search for new employment.

Laid-off meaning with examples

• Due to the economic downturn, the tech company was forced to laid-off 15% of its workforce, leaving many software engineers and project managers suddenly unemployed. The remaining employees felt demoralized due to these job losses and feared a possibility of more in the future. They sought to help the laid-off staff find employment.
• After years of dedicated service, Sarah was laid-off from her marketing position during a corporate restructuring. She received a small severance package and began immediately applying for open positions at other companies, while also navigating unemployment benefits. The shock of being laid-off caused financial stress and emotional distress.
• The factory was experiencing declining product sales. When a significant amount of machinery broke and could not be fixed quickly, the management decided to laid-off all of the manufacturing staff until production could be resumed and the company's products could be sold to gain revenue. Several workers were temporarily out of a job.
• Following the merger, the new company had significant overlap in job roles, necessitating a series of laid-off personnel, mostly managers and administrative staff. This led to a period of uncertainty among those remaining, although the new management team promised the laid-off staff the resources and assistance that the company could afford.