Phl 320 - Re-Organization and Layoff Team Discussion & Summary

Re-Organization and Layoff Team Discussion & Summary

PHL/320

The Problem

In the article “Mismanaged layoffs can go horribly wrong”, Brenda Bouw points out that companies are mishandling layoffs and the way downsizing is being handled. Many managers are not prepared to relive someone of their job, this mostly stems from undertraining in these situations. Explained in the article a quote from Colleen Coates "Every HR [human resources] person or manager should be let go in their lifetime so they know what it feels like," This is because many managers don’t know the feeling of being let go. Either they say too much and begin to sound like the corporate robot or they say too little and come off as uncaring. Often time’s businesses see downsizing as the best option to “cut costs” and impress the shareholders. According to Bouw, downsizing isn’t always the best option, considering the effects it can take on the business. Rather he proposed things like “…transferring staff to other departments, using fewer contract workers, or cutting wages.” This will allow for the trusted employees to remain in the company and insure they will not lose business with the clients that work with them.

Why Is This a Problem?

The manager who cannot show empathy towards their subordinates will have issues with completing the task of letting someone go, or making appropriate decisions when budget cuts are in order. This is a problem because managers will lose credibility as leaders within their organization.

        The Solution

I believe there are many solutions to the problem presented. According to the Colleen Coates “managers should also receive training in advance on what to do and say to the person whose job is being cut.” This is important because you never know how a person is going to react to this type of news, they may cry or become angry. It is important for the leader be prepared for any situation. Additionally, by moving people around in different (understaffed) departments it will allow for people to start on a new career path, and cut the cost for the (overstaffed) department they are leaving. Cutting a member of your team is never a fun experience, however through proper training, you can help mitigate the impact it has on the member you are letting go and provide you with a valuable characteristic called empathy.