It's really not a lot better in person. My husband was part of a mass layoff following the 2008 meltdown. They called him and his co-workers in to a conference room and made a general announcement. Then each was given a box and escorted by security as they collected their belongings and were required to leave the building immediately. Most of the people who didn't get laid off hid in their offices and cubes until everyone had gone. Only one person had the decency to come out and say goodbye. He had worked there 17 years.