The layoffs I experienced were explicitly about reducing size and cost of the workforce. Individual performance was a limited factor at best. This was the case

The layoffs I experienced were explicitly about reducing size and cost of the workforce. Individual performance was a limited factor at best. This was the case at two different Fortune 500 companies. The only thing saving many high performers was better understanding of the company direction. Meaning a lot of the good folks figured out the “safe” teams/organizations and transitioned shortly before the lay off occurred.