Not possible to do it personally for dozens or hundreds of people.
If they did it by email, a lot of people would criticize as well. Perhaps, just perhaps, even yourself in the past has criticized or at least found (in your thoughts) an awful way of communicating a lay off?
I did not discredit your argument. It's indeed awful. I'm just inviting to reflect that any way will be awful.
How awful each option is perceived is subjective. If they did it by email, many people (perhaps you and I included?) would be here criticizing the lack of humanity and basic consideration to impacted employees...
