Layering Layoffs
ECONOMIC recession, layoffs and cost cutting are the order of the day. Consequently employee morale is low, productivity has gone downhill and insecurity reigns supreme. Dire straits indeed! The remedy lies in effective leadership skills of managers and CEOs, who alone can tide over the situation.
Capable leaders can boost employee morale and lead them through turbulent times.
Unravelling the mystery
Employees find it extremely difficult to comprehend layoffs. "Who next?" is a tough question to live with everyday.
Open communication helps reassure your employees. When you are done with layoffs, explain to your employees your current financial situation. Let them read the books, the graphs and the profit margins. Remember though, to keep the relevant information simple and comprehensible. No ambiguity, please! Employees understand the number game well and they will come to terms with the situation. They are bound to realise that layoffs were the last resort.
Once that's clear, there is nothing to stop the employees from getting back to work. Good for you and the organisation!
Get to the point
When it is a downhill ride for your organisation, it's important to give your employees facts. False promises or glossing over the situation are impractical when drastic measures ought to be implemented and implemented quickly.
Prepare your employees for the changing times. Give them a clear idea of the difficulties you expect. Telling them the truth helps win their confidence and sets them at ease. When they realise that their leaders have kept them in the information loop, it will put an end to many a wild speculation. Also it will give the employees an opportunity to fend for themselves. This will build a strong employee- employer relationship and avert possible conflict.
Drastic changes-- positive results
Having executed drastic changes with a claim that it will bring profits to your organisation, you ought to keep your promises too. Keep your employees aware of every small step that the organisation makes on its road to recovery. A new client, a deadline met well before target or a project accomplished - share it all with your employees. You can post a newsletter, call for a meeting, or perhaps even throw a small surprise party. These activities keep the employees involved and create a feeling of belonging. Moreover, they keep employee morale high.
Crossover
The responsibility of leading a team or the organisation during the tough times is not an easy task. But it can become simpler, if you "get connected" to your employees. It is easy to win employees' trust and motivate them when you are open to a one-on-one interaction.
This is also a perfect opportunity to assure your employees that you are with them in troubled times. A perfect recipe for true leadership!
SHALINI KABRA
shalini.hyd@cnkonline.com
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