15% of a workforce isn't a layoff? Companies always justify layoffs as clearing out dead wood/firing low performers etc etc, but the reality is once you start

15% of a workforce isn't a layoff? Companies always justify layoffs as clearing out dead wood/firing low performers etc etc, but the reality is once you start this sort of massive layoff good people will get caught in the crossfire (what if your department has no dead wood but you need to cut 1 in 10 people?), your best people leave, everyone else is dispirited and fearful and morale tanks.