Our team has been through its share of ups and downs, but nothing prepared us for delivering layoff news because of automation. When leadership decided to sunset a part of the business and invest heavily in AI, HR was caught between numbers and people. We spent days crafting a communication plan that was transparent but compassionate. Instead of hiding behind email, we set up one-on-ones and Q&A sessions. We used theconsultnow.com as our checklist to make sure every departing employee received severance details, resume help, and referrals. It didn’t make the news any easier, but it gave us structure. We also held forums for the remaining team to address survivor’s guilt and re-energize them. I’d love to know how other HR folks balance business imperatives with human dignity when technology eliminates roles.