Let's Hear It For Congenial DecruitmentLet's Hear It For Congenial Decruitment

When economic uncertainty reigns, you can always count on euphemisms cropping up like so much stink weed. So make way for a new contender: "friendly downsizing." That's the approach advocated by Lawrence Stuenkel, senior partner of outplacement firm Lawrence & Allen, who recently wrote a job-hunting guide.

The concept behind the "friendly downsizing" is actually quite valuable. Stuenkel encourages companies to act as compassionately as possible when job cuts are necessary and consider the impact on individuals. For example, determine how layoffs would affect employees' long-term pension benefits before proceeding, and refrain from escorting all employees off company property. But the term itself is unfortunate, considering "downsizing" was bad enough as a stand-alone euphemism. Stuenkel says he's only received positive feedback about "friendly downsizing" and no one has complained that it's a bit oxymoronic.

Unfortunately, kinder, gentler terminology won't help pay the rent. Just ask Robert Sean Hartnett, who was doing customer support and system/network administrative work for a fiber-optics company until he lost his job in late June. "'Friendly downsizing' is just another PR/HR term that the powers-that-be think will soften the blow for me," he says. "In the end, you are still out of a job, no matter what they call it, and that is my reality."

Is "friendly downsizing" a kinder, gentler way to say, "You're fired!"? Or would you rather get the bad news in no uncertain terms? Share your preference--and your layoff story--in the Listening Post Talk Shop (www.information.com/forum/information)