Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker
Read More
The trauma that ensues after a layoff is a real and deep wound to an organization, its employees, and its leadership. As difficult as it is to deliver such news, rebuilding trust after a layoff is equally challenging. This can be done with thoughtful and organized steps that both respect the past and look to the future, offering assurance and hope beyond the current situation.
The first key to rebuilding trust lies in honest and open communication. When addressing the affected personnel, leaders should be as transparent as possible about the situation and why it was necessary to make the changes that were made. Providing clear, consistent and timely information to affected employees is ideal. This will offer the opportunity for employees to ask questions and gain a better understanding of their current circumstances, as well as what comes next.
In addition to communication, employers should seek input from the affected employees to form a plan of action. Ask them what they need now, and what they think would be helpful in the short and long-term. This approach will demonstrate your understanding of their needs and will give them the power to have a say in the process.
Once a plan is in place, it is important to not simply move forward with it but to actively communicate what is being done and the progress that is being made at every step. This will provide tangible evidence of a focus on problem-solving and will build trust by demonstrating the organization’s commitment to helping employees during a difficult time.
Finally, employers should look to the future and proactively create opportunities for employees to rebuild or create new relationships. Offer training and guidance for employees to help them better understand the situation and to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to look for new opportunities.
The effects of a layoff can be long-lasting, but so can the recovery from this difficult experience – we must remember to trust in that. Taking the sort of steps outlined here can restore faith in an organization and guide their employees to better days ahead.
