60 day pay, sure, but No way would I lay off that many people and let them back in the building. Mob mentality is a bizarre thing. Imagine the emotional burden or hostility between the retained staff and the terminated staff?

I think I would’ve taken a “slowly thin the herd” approach, but may be ripping the Band-Aid off is more emotionally acceptable. Also, your best employees, the ones who also have the highest opportunity elsewhere, will leave rather than wait to find out if they pass the mysterious retention test.

If I remember the law correctly, you can also announce without notice and pay a severance that covers 60 days.