Book excerpt: This survey examines reasons organizations resort to layoffs, how layoffs are conducted, and the subsequent effects on remaining staff. Survey data collection ended just prior to September 11, and therefore does not reflect conditions following the attacks. However, it does provide valuable information on employee response to layoffs and insight on how human resource professionals may help to assuage the stress of future staff reductions. Among its many conclusions, the survey finds that 20 percent of organizations announced layoffs through group meetings, while five percent issued written notice, and that following the reductions, organizations reported improved profits and productivity, but also increased gossip, decreased morale and loyalty, and a rise in resignations.