How To Address AI-Driven Layoffs: 15 Ways To Maintain Trust

Forbes

2 days ago

As AI and automation reshape business operations, layoffs are becoming a reality for many companies. How leaders communicate these difficult decisions can heavily impact morale among remaining employees and influence how customers, investors and the public judge the company's values.
Generic statements and corporate spin aren't enough to mitigate the risk of bad publicity. Companies in the midst of layoffs need to respond with transparency, accountability and a clear plan. Here, 15 Forbes Agency Council members share practical strategies for addressing AI-driven job losses in a way that protects brand reputation and preserves public confidence.
1. Own The Decision With Honesty And Humanity
AI doesn't fire people; leaders do. If you're automating, own it. Be human about it. Say what's changing, why and how you'll support those affected. Transparency, empathy and accountability are the only currencies that preserve trust when people's livelihoods are the cost of progress. - Elijah Schneider, Modifly
2. Share A Clear Strategy For Long-Term Success
Corporate leaders need to outline a clear strategy for how automation and new processes will enable the organization to survive and thrive. The rise of AI is resulting in the nature of work changing. Because AI provides answers to complex questions that used to require manual number crunching, it enables employees to ask better questions and focus more on the complex activities of running an organization. - Tim Johnson, UPRAISE Marketing + Public Relations, Inc.
3. Be Transparent About The Bigger Vision
As companies evolve with AI and automation, it's not about softening reality but about being clear, human and forward-looking. Innovation will always create shifts in how we work. The key is helping people see the bigger vision and adapt. Leaders should communicate with conviction, not spin. Be transparent about the company's direction and why changes happen, and continue to invest in growth in new ways. - Danielle Sabrina, Society22 PR
4. Clarify The Direction Long Before The Announcement
To keep trust after AI-driven layoffs, comms should start long before the announcement. If a company has clearly shared its goals and values—and made decisions that reflect them—it can always point back to that plan. People may not like the news, but they'll respect how it was handled if it's consistent with the company's stated direction. - Christine Wetzler, Pietryla PR & Marketing
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5. Frame Layoffs As Part Of A Strategic Pivot
Openly map how automation refocuses talent on high-impact areas, then outline concrete aid packages, rapid reemployment support and retraining programs. Share stories from affected teams, host transparent town halls and publish metrics on retraining outcomes to rebuild credibility and trust. Measure sentiment shifts to iterate messaging. - Vaibhav Kakkar, Digital Web Solutions
6. Retrain And Reallocate Where Possible
It's important to remember that technology has continued to change the business world since the dawn of time. The advent of AI is no different. As corporations upgrade old processes, efforts should be made to retrain and/or reallocate personnel into other roles moving forward, while continuing to provide an amazing product or service that will set the company up to succeed for the next decade. - Bernard May, National Positions
7. Speak Plainly And Take Responsibility
Avoid sugarcoating AI-driven layoffs. Own the decision with clarity and respect. People don't trust brands that hide behind buzzwords. Say what's changing, why it matters and how you'll minimize harm. Real leadership communicates directly and takes responsibility. - Jason Mudd, Axia Public Relations
8. Pair Transparency With Real Support
The best approach is transparency paired with empathy. Don't just announce AI-driven layoffs—highlight how the company supported affected employees through severance, reskilling or other aid. Framing it as giving them the softest landing possible shows humanity, not just efficiency, and helps preserve long-term trust and brand integrity. - Austin Irabor, NETFLY
9. Frame The Future As A Human Opportunity
AI-driven layoffs are inevitable, but they could also mark the beginning of a new human renaissance. Corporations must be transparent but bold in supporting a future where automation frees people to rediscover creativity, purpose and craftsmanship. With systemic support, we can shift from labor to meaning, an evolution where humanity thrives beyond productivity. - Cagan Sean Yuksel, Dreamspace
10. Be Honest And Compassionate
Acknowledge the layoffs, thank affected employees and share how you're supporting them. Explain why automation is being used and how it will improve service. Show your values through actions. People respect transparency and care more about how you treat others during tough times. - Guy Leon Sheetrit, Guac Digital
11. Avoid Jargon And Communicate With Clarity
Acknowledge the reality, respect the people and show the plan. Consumers don't expect perfection, but they do expect accountability. That means avoiding jargon, clearly naming the change and providing clarity on what comes next for both your workforce and your mission. The companies that retain trust are the ones that treat comms as continuity, not crisis control. - Kyle Arteaga, The Bulleit Group
12. Explain The Impact And Share The Vision Ahead
AI-driven change is inevitable and fast approaching. Publicly traded companies must be transparent about job cuts, not just outcomes. Acknowledge the impact, support displaced workers and share a long-term vision. Education systems also must track shifting talent needs to keep society proactive, resilient and meaningfully productive. - Goran Paun, ArtVersion
13. Keep The Conversation Open And Ongoing
Embrace candid communication and keep the dialogue open. Explain why automation demands change, honor the people affected with genuine empathy and detail robust retraining or transition support. Provide regular updates on both workforce transitions and customer benefits. By owning decisions and offering help, corporations preserve consumer trust and turn disruption into shared opportunity. - Lars Voedisch, PRecious Communications
14. Focus On Change, Not Layoffs
It's vital to emphasize that the times are changing, and you are changing with them—and it's not a bad thing. The brand must communicate that it's creating new opportunities for employees to grow into new roles, where AI acts as a partner, bringing out the best in them: creativity, empathy and critical thinking. - Nataliya Andreychuk, Viseven
15. Demonstrate Company Values Through Action
Transparency builds trust. Announce changes early with a clear rationale beyond 'AI made us do it.' Offer robust retraining, transition support and internal mobility first. Showcase how you're investing in your remaining employees' growth. Actions during layoffs signal company values—treat departing staff with dignity and generosity. - Kathleen Lucente, Red Fan Communications