If There are Layoff Rumors
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Tip #1 - Be open with your employees
If rumors are just rumors, let them know immediately. You can
tell them that you want to keep as many of them as possible
for as long as possible. If you feel you may have to lose a
couple, let them know why and the time line. Give them the
opportunity to look elsewhere if necessary.
You won't have to open your books and expose all of your
accounting. They already know if your business needs to
make adjustments, and will automatically think the worst.
Your reality is always better then your employee's imagination.
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Tip #2 - Let them help
Let them know it is now time to come up with new ways to get
new business and to retain customers. Get them thinking
outside the box. Have contests for new ideas. Give (small)
commissions to everyone from Receptionist to CEO.
Let your employee's know that if they enjoy working for your
company, the company needs their help to continue and grow.
You will be pleasantly surprised to see who steps up and also
with some of the very innovative ideas they may have.
They were just waiting to be asked.
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Tip #3 - Have options available
You don't need to spread unemployment brochures throughout
the break room. This wouldn't be good for anyone's morale.
Let your employee's know that if they are worried, your door
is open during (give certain hours) to discuss options with them.
If there will never be a layoff, this will be the time to re-assure them.
Be very careful. If you make someone employee of the month on
Friday and lay them off on Monday, your reputation in the
community will suffer.
However, if you are up front with them, tell them you can't
be sure, will try your hardest to keep them on, but
"Here are some options" you will have employees ready to re-join
your company when you are back at full throttle. You can then
be open with them to a point and give them a list you will
have drawn up of websites, businesses, etc. that will give them
the option of sticking with you or going elsewhere.
*******************************
Tip #4 - Help them to know what to tell their families
You may have just laid a bombshell on your friends (if you have
a well-run business, you have some friends at work). Now they
have to go home and take all of the things you told them and
try to download it to their spouses. They will still be a bit
shocked and forget half of what you told them.
Be specific. Tell them there are no guarantees, but this is what
will happen if the economy continues as it is. Give them specific
phrases they can remember and use at home. Send them to
www. http://survivingarecession.blogspot.com for tips on ways
to save and things to do during layoff rumors.
Be supportive.
the break room. This wouldn't be good for anyone's morale.
Let your employee's know that if they are worried, your door
is open during (give certain hours) to discuss options with them.
If there will never be a layoff, this will be the time to re-assure them.
Be very careful. If you make someone employee of the month on
Friday and lay them off on Monday, your reputation in the
community will suffer.
However, if you are up front with them, tell them you can't
be sure, will try your hardest to keep them on, but
"Here are some options" you will have employees ready to re-join
your company when you are back at full throttle. You can then
be open with them to a point and give them a list you will
have drawn up of websites, businesses, etc. that will give them
the option of sticking with you or going elsewhere.
*******************************
Tip #4 - Help them to know what to tell their families
You may have just laid a bombshell on your friends (if you have
a well-run business, you have some friends at work). Now they
have to go home and take all of the things you told them and
try to download it to their spouses. They will still be a bit
shocked and forget half of what you told them.
Be specific. Tell them there are no guarantees, but this is what
will happen if the economy continues as it is. Give them specific
phrases they can remember and use at home. Send them to
www. http://survivingarecession.blogspot.com for tips on ways
to save and things to do during layoff rumors.
Be supportive.
*******************************
Tip #5 - Help them relax
After such a hard meeting, take some time. Order in a few
pizzas. Let them process everything you have just told them.
Let them laugh.
We have all gone through this before and may do so again.
Be ethical, be human. Be yourself.
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