1. Emphasize that it was not your decision to put him on the layoff list. Of course, he should know that. And I'm sure you probably circled the boss a bit for him to stay on as well, letting him know what you were trying to do.

2. Before the layoff list comes down, the two of you should find a big restaurant, not too high class, just the kind on the street, to brew an atmosphere, to open up some of your heart, to clarify the situation with him. Before this, I think, if you really when he is a worthy of deep friendship, as a human resources manager to do their due ability to help him make a way out. In the current economic situation, even if the job is not too good, he will turn it down, but he will still be grateful to you. In contrast, he won't be angry with you if he knows he's been laid off.

3. If he's a family man, he should do what he can to help his family. If he is the head of the family, then the necessary monetary support should be done in an appropriate manner.

4. If you try your best and he still thinks it's your fault, then you can pat yourself on the back. He doesn't deserve you. It's a friend, even if you don't say anything, he knows. Not a friend, even if you say and do everything, he pretends not to know. So, do your best and if you can't continue the friendship, it's a matter of fate.

As for the second question, it's useless to ask others. Others don't know the true state of your business. The answer is also very general. Nothing more than contraction and innovation. Do some more market research, optimize internal resources, open source and cut costs, it is estimated that this winter will last for a period of time, I wish you good luck.