How to communicate layoffs | with Lynn Zimmerman

Most change communication fails for one simple reason: leaders talk to the project team, but forget the people who have to live with the change. Communications expert Lynn Zimmerman reveals how to keep employees informed, reduce resistance, and protect trust when your company is moving fast.If you are leading a merger, acquisition, restructuring, tech rollout, or any major transformation, this conversation shows why the real risk is not the change itself - it is confusion, overload, and the grapevine filling in the gaps. Tatiana Koval and her guest break down how to communicate sooner, smarter, and with more humanity.Connect with Lynn Zimmerman on LinkedInTimecodes:00:00 - Welcome and whychange communication matters for employees02:05 - Aline’s 25-year path through internal communications and consulting04:44 - Why employees are the most important audience in change06:20 - The biggest stakeholder mistake companies make during change09:20 - Why communications professionals must join early12:05 - How to reduce burnout by involving employees in the process14:42 - Using existing channels for two-way feedback17:35 - Balancing openness with confidentiality and legal limits20:56 - Global change communication across countries and offices25:11 - Using vision, mission, and values to unify global teams29:01 - Dignity and respect during layoffs and restructuring34:21 - Three final tips for leaders preparing for change36:16 - Why change communicators must stay flexible and ready to pivotSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture.#workplaceculture #layoffs #changemanagement #talentmanagement #communication #leaders #internalcommunications #HappyAtWork #Happiness