This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
As the business environment continues to shift, organisations are often forced to adapt and change their approaches to meet their objectives. This can lead to significant distress for those affected by job losses and heightened anxiety among the remaining employees.
Published on September 20, 2019, a restructuring process has been underway in some organisations for the past three years, resulting in over 400 employees being declared redundant. This has left many living in fear of suffering the same fate.
However, there are interventions that can be undertaken to reduce the number of job losses or alleviate the discomfort associated with the experience. One approach is to consider the long-term need for new roles when hiring additional employees. This can help mitigate the extent of job losses when restructuring becomes necessary.
Organisations should also invest in educating their employees on how to manage their careers better. This training should include lessons on how to handle the transition to life after employment, as it is almost impossible to stay in one job for life.
Human Resources can assist by setting a fair and objective criterion for the redundancy exercise, providing timely notices to staff, preparing reasonable severance packages, and availing counselling and support with finding alternative jobs.
While nothing can guarantee total insulation from redundancy, performing at your best, living up to the values of your organisation, continually getting better at your trade, and working well with others, will enhance your chances of finding alternative career opportunities in case you lose your job.
