By Bill Kaufmann, President of My Greener Future
Here are some key points to consider if you plan to downsize your employee base:
FOR YOUR BUSINESS:
Ease the pain for you and your employees as much as possible
Communicate the need to downsize in a compassionate way, with the right information
Assess your objectives: Where do you need to be – Revenue increase/cost decrease
Prioritize the business needs over the next 3, 6, 9 and 12 months
Identify the key employees that will help you achieve your objectives
Communicate with the employees that are to stay
Consider some incentive for them to remain highly productive
FOR AFFECTED EMPLOYEES BEING DOWNSIZED:
Maintain the dignity of those being let go
Provide support assistance to those employees affected
Meet with affected employees on a group then individual basis
Provide them with the skills to land another position
Hire a professional to help you
Provide a way back for some, who may be needed later
Provide references & recommendations to help displaced employees
Help them understand their benefits and support agencies
How do you downsize employees with dignity? How do you downsize in “the right way”. Like the famous saying goes, “Measure twice and cut once”. When it comes to your downsizing strategy, think through the steps and implications then implement flawlessly. Of course, a professional can help you make sure the actions you take are not going to cause you more problems later on.
Employees that have been separated from a company need to feel that they have been treated in a fair and positive way, even if the situation is not positive. Companies that provide employees with the tools and skills to find another position are seen as caring for their welfare. It also leaves a positive attitude for those that remain. You will benefit in a number of ways when you develop a strategy of support for terminated employees by training them in the skills of finding another job.
Consider the end game: Always develop your strategies by asking the question, “A year from now when we are up and running again, how do I want to look back at the way the business handled its downsized employees?”
My Greener Future – Business can provide the professional help you need.
Call now for a free consultation and we will explain how we can help – no obligation, just objective input!
Contact Bill Kaufmann, President, My Greener Future at 757-220-0774
Tags: Career Advice, Career Planning, Career Strategy, Downsizing, Restructuring, Rightsizing