There’s no sugarcoating it—it’s just not pretty out there. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 2,275 “mass actions” (layoffs of 50 or more) for the fourth quarter—a total of nearly a quarter million lost jobs. And that doesn’t even count the uncountable smaller layoffs.
Every one of these is tragic for the laid off individuals and their families. But there’s another issue that’s been less talked about—the folks and the companies that are left behind.
You know that employee motivation and engagement are key to the success of your company in good times and in bad. So how do you get morale back where it needs to be and keep it there after the ax has fallen?
A recent report by The Hayes Group offers five tips for getting layoff survivors back on track:
1. Plan. The very worst thing you can do is stumble through a layoff action without a plan. Think about how best to communicate the layoff both to those laid off and to those remaining with the company. Make a plan to assist those laid off in finding new work.
2. Communicate. Explain why the changes were necessary, how work will be redistributed, and how the organization plans to recover.
3. Listen. Most of those continuing with the company will feel some level of guilt and even grief. Let employees talk. Listen with empathy. Show that you care. Don’t respond until a person has had a full opportunity to speak., then respond with genuine compassion.
4. Maintain trust. Act with the utmost transparency and honesty, and do what you say you will do.
5. Develop employees’ skills. In the wake of layoffs, the remaining staff will take on new responsibilities. Make sure any additional needed training is offered. Ask often what additional training or support is needed.
One of the most important elements of keeping your remaining employees engaged is how you treat those employees you lay off. Nothing will kill your chances of restoring morale more completely than an abrupt, uncaring, here’s-a-pink-slip-clear-out-your-desk approach to layoffs. The guilt of those left behind in such a situation will actually keep them from succeeding, since success would feel like a further kick in the teeth to their absent friends.
Stay optimistic, but never at the expense of honesty. Nothing is more important than honesty and openness as you move forward after a layoff. Tell the truth about the prospects of further layoffs, then build a team atmosphere to move forward together.
And as always, acknowledge and celebrate successes at every step of the way.
