Worry, anxiety, fear and guilt may be among the common feelings experienced by employees left behind after a layoff. 

Even in companies that have not let employees go, individuals are worried about what the future may bring. Back in October of 2008, an AARP survey of 820 adults showed that “one in five adults said they suffer from health problems because of financial worries.”

Employers can provide support to help employees remain healthy and productive, and to channel anxiety in positive ways. The alternative to this is to risk losing employees. Ruden writes in Profit Magazine that “Entrepreneurs who fail to address their employees’ anxieties in this tumultuous time risk breeding distracted and disaffected workers who not only underperform, but also look for safer harbour with another employer.”

What is the best way to provide support? Ruden suggests a combination of effective two-way communication and problem solving, an investment in “employee development,” and recognition of  “positive behavior.” A two-way dialogue that not only focuses on business solutions but also on how the employer can support the employee deal with these unsettling times is a good starting point. Goal setting may also be one way to help focus employee anxiety by providing a clear action plan with tasks that employees can grab onto. According to the Ken Blanchard newsletter,  it is important to focus on goal setting and “providing feedback and support” during a downturn.

Jodi Prohofsky of Cigna advises that organizations support employees by  helping them understand what is in and what is not in their control, by praising good work, by clarifying work expectations and priorities and by providing support to help employees manage health, stress and work life issues.

The following Report on Business article provides a clear example of how one company--Umbra--handled downsizing and then re-focused and supported the employees who remained. 

References:

DoBias, Matthew. “Survey: Many Are Worried Sick About Finances.” Workforce Management [www.workforce.com]. December 31, 2008.

The Ken Blanchard Companies. “Providing Feedback and Direction.” Ignite! Newsletter [www.kenblanchard.com]. March 2009.

Lorinc, John. “Saving the ship.” ReportonBusiness.com [www.theglobeandmail.com]. March 5, 2009.

Prohofsky, Jodi. “Aiding Layoff Survivors.” BusinessWeek [www.businessweek.com]. Obtained March 7, 2009.

Ruder, Susanne. “Human Resources: Pressure pointers.” Profit Magazine [www.canadianbusiness.com]. December 2008.