I’ve been laid off both ways. It’s definitely less humane to layoff someone via email. It’s just easier for the employer, and they don’t care about you.
Yes but to be fair, I don't care about my employer either. I think I'd prefer a simple e-mail rather than listen to someone face-to-face or over the phone blow smoke up my ass about how much they regret having to do this.
No employer cares about it's employees, only that they produce more than they consume. Health benefits are to make sure your body remains useful for longer, vacation days make sure you don't snap and quit after 2 or 3 years.