How Managers, Workers Cope with Layoffs

From DICE, February 3, 2009...

This environment, when the economy’s scary and layoffs seem common, is tough for everyone. So it’s critical for managers to pay attention to morale, says Tom Rath, a workplace consultant interviewed by The Wall Street Journal:

"There is more fear and insecurity in workplaces today than I’ve ever seen. If managers can do a good job of helping employees to feel secure and see light at the end of the tunnel, they might actually boost per-person productivity."

Rath offers some concise tactics to help ease the pain for workers. They include being candid about your company’s health, showing employees you care through small gestures, providing stability and creating hope by showing your staff where to focus in order to make a difference. Finally, he suggests managers emphasize employees’ strengths rather than weaknesses, particularly during performance reviews.

Read more...