I think that is reasonable.
"Folks our company didn't do well this year, we can only sustain X at out burn rate. We are willing to extend Y offer until Z date for those of who are willing to volunteer for a lay off"
Much better than firing by force.
"Folks our company didn't do well this year, we can only sustain X at out burn rate. We are willing to extend Y offer until Z date for those of who are willing to volunteer for a lay off"
Much better than firing by force.
Layoffs often have an echo effect, where a wave of layoffs is followed by a wave of resignations. Open offers fold that second, unpredictable wave into the controlled first one. If the nature of your business requires a certain amount of workforce continuity, the added predictability of an open offer can be well worth it.