Retrenchment is an HR term that refers to the process of reducing the workforce of an organization, typically due to financial difficulties, organizational restructuring, or other business-related reasons. It involves the termination of employees' contracts or the elimination of their positions to cut costs and improve the efficiency or viability of the organization.

Example

For example, during an economic downturn, a company may face financial challenges and decide to implement retrenchment measures. This could involve laying off employees, offering early retirement packages, or implementing voluntary separation programs. The goal of retrenchment is to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. HR plays a crucial role in managing the retrenchment process, including communicating with affected employees, providing support services, and complying with legal obligations related to severance packages and termination procedures.