Laying Off Workers: How To Ease The Transition
Delivering news about employees’ layoffs or termination is one of the most difficult tasks in business. The process is filled with potential legal hitches, and announcing what is usually life-changing news to a staff provokes anxiety, panic, and even guilt.
However, the affected worker will feel treated with respect and dignity if the layoff is done well. In addition, they will leave a more affirmative impression of their employer and be more intent on the task ahead of getting a new job. Here are a few ways to ease workers’ transition during a layoff.
1. Communicate with care and transparency
When laying off workers, ensure you maintain the mutual respect you have established over time. After all, employees are the core of your business, and you don’t want them to hear the news from the rumor mill or social media.
Be precise with your language, show empathy, and be ready to answer difficult questions. For instance, be gentle and honest with your answer if an employee asks you why you are laying them off. You can tell them it’s because of business reasons and has nothing to do with them. Layoff communications should offer a solid reason for the decision, including reducing revenue, market changes, and details such as timing.
2. Give attractive incentives to the transitioning employees
You may sometimes want workers with extensive industrial experience to remain during a transitional period to train the remaining employees. If you ask employees to stay, help them know why they are essential to the process. Consider giving them perks to encourage them to stay on and do an excellent job.
For instance, for those workers who want to leave soon after you announce the layoffs, you may offer them a severance package of six weeks. However, you could offer a 12-week severance package for those who stay a month. You can also provide unemployment benefits resources like Ontario Works payment calendar and how to apply before they get on their feet again.
3. Offer outplacement assistance and support
Layoffs can be stressful for the employer and employee, but outplacement assistance and support can help ease the transition. Showing appreciation and support for the laid-off employees, either externally or internally, can go a long way in deepening your values and culture.
It’s crucial that you show your empathy and appreciation by offering them time to process the situation and say farewell, providing employee assistance, transition counseling, and written references to support their job search.
4. Follow up with laid-off workers
The solid relationship between you and your workers shouldn’t end when they are laid off or terminated. Try to make some follow-ups to ensure the employees are doing okay. Examine their well-being, ensure they know their rights and options, offer regular updates on the available job opportunities, and assure them that resources continue to be available. Handling layoffs in a humane way makes the departing employees feel respected and not abandoned during difficult times.
Endnote
Layoffs are unavoidable, even after exploring and implementing the appropriate alternatives. Fortunately, these strategies can help you ensure that the layoff news is announced with compassion and empathy, helping workers leave with the utmost respect and dignity.
