How To Ease Employee Uncertainties Amidst Economic Crisis

When a crisis hits an industry, big changes are inevitable. While owners will try their best to make significant moves such as cost-cutting behind the workforce’s sight, news like this propagate like wildfire. Moreover, although the rank-and-file employees don’t usually get involved in corporate matters, they are quite sensitive to certain signs of slowing down.

As such, doubts and hearsays increase in the work area. These rumors affect the mental state and the morale of the entire operation. If left unaddressed, the negatives would manifest in the quality of their work.

In worst scenarios, a tiny spark such as a layoff could result in reckless moves on the part of the workforce. Companies that dwell on the edge can no longer afford a mass strike or resignation.

Due to this, owners must exercise damage control before it manifests. Doing so would keep employees at ease, and managers could address downline concerns with more transparency and understanding. Here are some things a company should do to quell the nagging effects of workforce uncertainties during these trying times:

Provide Outplacement Services To Executives

First, owners would need the executives on their side to meet all devastating problems with confidence. They are the primary advocates of the company, and with a few moves, these senior managers can rally their subordinates behind them for a cause. Thus, it is important to exert efforts on their well-being.

Executive outplacement serves as an assurance for top-level administrators in case the worst happens. Although these professionals are experts in their field, it is more difficult to continue their careers as the executive posts are limited. It is also a good PR investment as companies that offer outplacement can trust that their exiting officials will appreciate this assistance and spread the good word about how the brand takes care of its people.

Provide Outplacement To The Rest Of The Workforce

After taking care of the executive level, shift your attention quickly to outplacement assistance for the operations people. If the employee orientation included outplacement services, it should be easier for everyone to accept that they will use it someday. However, some companies may only introduce it after the announcement of a huge layoff.

Executives and supervisors should step up to assist the company with the information rollout. With their expert management skills, they can talk to exit employees about outplacement and how it would help them secure their next job. Meanwhile, facilitating a meeting is also a good opportunity to let the surviving workforce know about this initiative so they can continue serving their duties with lesser worries.

Communicate Regularly

Keeping the workforce in the dark about the company’s true state would hurt as soon as bad gossips arise. While financial reports are usually confidential, a company can translate them to convey to their employees that the industry is in a collision with a crisis. However, it is imperative to break the news with a corresponding action plan.

Meet with supervisors and managers to feel the pulse of the entire operations team. Invite a few individuals to a conference with the CEO and let them air their concerns about their jobs. The company’s chief executive can take this chance to discuss outplacement services and how it’ll help them when the most dreaded scenario happens.