| | MAY 2023MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM19CXO InsightsIDEALLY LEADING EMPLOYEE LAYOFFSBy Steve Lovig, Director of Human Resources, Homestar FinancialIt's vital that you demonstrate compassion during a layoff. When an employee is losing their job because of an organizational change, and not because of their own performance, it can be traumatic for all of the `humans' involved.In Sept 2022, HRForecast.com published an article which said: "Downsizing concentrates on reducing workforce to save money on payroll and other HR expenses, while the goal of rightsizing is to maintain the right number of human resources. In terms of rightsizing initiatives, companies may initiate staffing cuts as well." The article sounds like there is little to no difference between downsizing and rightsizing. They both result in good people losing jobs because of a company's decision.Whether you call it rightsizing, layoff, staff reductions, or downsizing, whenever an employee's job is ripped away, that is the time for you to step up and lead with your heart. This can impact your company's brand in a positive way.Many organizations in the U.S. are closely looking at ways to reduce costs, including possibly cutting staff. Whether you are human resources professional or any other leader of an organization, the way you speak with every one of those employees matters. Both the individuals losing their jobs, and the individuals left behind are paying close attention, and that's where you can positively impact your company's brand in a layoff. Human resources leadership must provide specific `talking points' to be used when speaking to the laid-off individuals. The manager dealing with impacted employees, the HR Professional who work side-by-side with the manager in delivering the message, the CEO addressing the entire organization at the end of the re-structuring, and each Manager of every department where no employees were laid-off, need to use explicitly developed language when speaking to employees. Because, they are all watching what you say, and how you say it. Treat Them With Dignity And RespectThe right communication will help ensure that you have treated all employees with dignity and respect. Communicating openly and honestly with both the impacted employees and those who were not part of the staff reduction is vital. The latter will often have to pick up additional responsibilities and will frequently feel "Survivor's Guilt." Steve LovigSteve Lovig
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