The RIF Playbook: A People Leader's Guide to Managing Reductions in Force

The RIF Playbook: A People Leader's Guide to Managing Reductions in Force

A 16-page operational guide for HR and People leaders at companies with 50 to 500 employees who are planning, executing, or recovering from a reduction in force.

This isn't a legal explainer. It's not a blog post. It's the operational playbook I built after reducing a company from 125 to 29 people across five countries, cutting expenses by 66%.

What's inside:

• A state-by-state mini-WARN reference table covering notice periods, thresholds, and the requirements that catch people off guard

• OWBPA compliance walkthrough for employees over 40 (the disclosure requirement alone is worth the price)

• A weighted selection matrix template with scoring criteria

• A printable pre-RIF checklist organized by legal, compensation, and operations

• Manager talking points: the five things every notification meeting covers, and what managers should never say

• A full notification timeline from T-minus 14 days through Day +14

• An hour-by-hour day-of playbook you can print and keep on your desk

• Severance structuring guidance with common formulas

• Survivor communication cadence for the first 90 days

• Culture stabilization tactics to retain the people you kept

• IT, access, and offboarding logistics (including what not to do)

Built for the People leader who might be the only HR person in the building. Everything in here comes from direct experience, not theory.

Please note: This guide reflects HR best practices and operational frameworks based on direct experience. It is not legal advice. Compliance requirements vary by state, company size, and individual circumstances. Always confirm all areas of compliance for your particular business with qualified employment counsel before executing a RIF.

Jean Gallagher McCauley

VP of People | Organizational Strategist

jeangallaghermccauley.com