[Hnrobert42]

Here’s a point I don’t see in the other comments or in your questions: be careful.

Yes, be humane. Yes, be honest. But also be careful. You will be surprised by who becomes litigious. Avoiding lawsuits will help you continue being humane to those still employed.

1. Is your employment practice liability insurance policy up to date?

2. Say nothing about why a particular person was chosen. Saying you let someone go because they are expensive, if they are over 40, could open you up to an age discrimination suit.

3. Have two people on the call with each person. One to deliver news. One to take notes.

4. Have IT terminate their access as you start the conversation with each person. If someone needs access to get family photos or something, you can help them later.

It sucks, but it is also rather routine event. Two months severance is very generous if you really are in desperate straits.

Good luck.

[ls15]

> 3. Have two people on the call with each person. One to deliver news. One to take notes.

Two against one does not seem like the most humane way to do it IMO.

> 4. Have IT terminate their access as you start the conversation with each person. If someone needs access to get family photos or something, you can help them later.

What about sending a message to all your friends at work with your new email address, so they can reach you later?

[rtp4me]

Two against one does not seem like the most humane way to do it IMO.

It's not about us-vs-them or 2-v-1. This is about liability and accountability - especially if the affected person is/can/will-be litigious. You would be very surprised what some people "hear" during a normal conversation. A simple passing phrase like "I wish I could keep you on, but" could be misconstrued to something completely different like discrimination (age, gender, etc).

[helsinki]

Keep things simple and record the conversation. No need for two people.

[jfim]

That requires two party consent in many states.