The most humane layoff II ever had was when my boss notified me in mid-summer that the grant funding my position might not be renewed. I asked her to give me a definite answer yes or know as soon as she knew. On September 1 she told me it was official, and my paycheck would end at the end of the month. She asked me to stay for the big conference in three weeks, but told me I could take any time off I needed for interviews, etc. I spent the rest of the month getting the files into shape, updating my resume, and doing my part for the big conference. On September 30, we all went out for a drink after work.
The other two times I was laid off, I was brought into an office, told my job was being eliminated, handed a packet with severance papers, and given a box for my personal stuff. At one place I was allowed to say goodbye to everyone and leave at the end of the day, at the other place and the other victims were escorted out.