RIF (reduction in force) or layoff communications is the sensitive, high-stakes discipline of communicating workforce reductions with clarity, dignity, and legal care. It coordinates messaging to those departing, those remaining, leaders, and often the public and media simultaneously — because internal layoff communications leak instantly. Handled with respect and transparency, it protects the dignity of departing employees and the trust of survivors; handled clumsily (the infamous mass-email layoff), it becomes a lasting reputational and cultural wound.