A voluntary layoff takes place when company management essentially "coaxes" employees into departing in exchange for a generous severance package. This is often done in lieu of outright layoffs. Typically, management will provide employees with the choice of keeping their jobs with a pay-cut, or accepting the voluntary layoff with generous benefits. According to management experts, the upside of voluntary layoffs is fewer grievances and potential lawsuits. However, the downside is that companies run the risk of losing their best employees, including those whom the company has invested much training for performing more necessary tasks. However, proponents of voluntary layoffs say that groups of employees can be excluded from these layoffs. Voluntary layoffs can also be limited to particular departments or geographic locations.