As opposed to voluntary separations. Many years ago the company I work for offered packages to qualified employees who wanted to leave. People who were alread

As opposed to voluntary separations. Many years ago the company I work for offered packages to qualified employees who wanted to leave. People who were already looking or just weren't very happy had the opportunity to pocket (IIRC) six months worth of pay after signing the standard promise not to sue. Usually the way these things work is company management has a reduction goal, and if they meet it there aren't any layoffs. If they don't... well, voluntary becomes involuntary in some cases.