A layoff is when a company decides to temporarily or permanently dismiss employees from their jobs. This often happens due to financial difficulties, restructuring, or changes in the market. When a layoff occurs, it can be a challenging time for workers, as they may lose their source of income and face uncertainty about their future employment. During a layoff, affected employees may receive severance pay or assistance in finding new jobs. Companies often try to communicate openly with their staff about the reasons for the layoffs and the steps they are taking to improve the situation. This process can involve support from human resources and career counseling services to help those impacted by the layoffs.