Ethical Downsizing

When it comes to making people redundant it is always difficult to make this a positive experience, and the feelings of guilt (for those who remain in jobs) and anxiety of those losing jobs is very real. A good employer will make concrete plans to make sure anyone leaving the business does so in as positive a manner as possible. Afterall, ex-employees have a voice and can help retain your company's good reputation or ruin it dependant upon how they feel they have been treated.
So how can you approach downsizing in a positve manner? Well if after all efforts have been made to retain staff and the only way forward is job loses you need to think about how to exit people with enough support to help them move on. So, how about their CV, assuming they have one, is it up to date, fresh and attractive to potential employers? What about Interview Skills - how long has it been since these people were interviewed in a competitive environment? And what about the job market -where do people begin to look for work. Options other than work also need to be explored, what about self employment, partnership ventures with colleagues in the same situation, part time or voluntary work? These and many other options are valid and need to be explored so that people have a clear plan of action, with the skills and tools they needs to best determine how to spend their time while retaining their self esteem and confidence.
There are many other consideration for people changing the way they work and good practical advice on financial plans, working patterns and changes in their personal circumstances will all play a part. As a good, ethical employer, your task is to provide the supports that will help people reframe their thinking and see redundancy as an opportunity and not as the last exit to nothingness. You have invested cold hard cash training people, developing their skills and in return your business has benefited. Now that you have to downsize keep this investment philosophy going and help each individual to redesign their future by downsizing ethically.
Next time I'll be blogging about bad behaviour (with a focus on the bully) and how to manage it!