Layoffs are often viewed as a form of organizational restructuring — a way to reduce costs or to reimagine staffing needs in light of AI and automation. However, in 2026, California's reductions in force can lead to costly litigation and unintended issues with employee recruitment and retention, potentially offsetting anticipated cost savings and worsening the business challenges that prompted the restructuring in the first place.
Join CDF attorneys Todd Wulffson and Alessandra Whipple for a practical one-hour discussion on the key legal and strategic issues employers should consider when planning or implementing reductions in force. This program will address common compliance traps, documentation best practices, and steps employers can take to reduce litigation risk during difficult workforce transitions.
Topics will include:
- Planning and documenting reduction-in-force decisions
- AI, automation, and workforce restructuring considerations
- Retention agreements and selection criteria
- Layoff communications and implementation considerations
- Severance agreements and release language
- OWBPA requirements for employees age 40 and over
- California and federal WARN Act considerations
- Practical steps to reduce claims and to strengthen defensibility
This program is designed for employers, HR professionals, and in-house counsel seeking practical guidance on managing workforce reductions while minimizing legal risk.
Credit: 1 hour HRCI, SHRM, and CA MCLE credit pending.
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