Whether it is layoffs, cutbacks or reductions in hours, pay or benefits, delivering these messages takes the idea of “putting in a hard days work” to new levels! And because preparing for these messages can span weeks of meetings and discussions, the mental burden can feel substantial, if not overwhelming. Across the country, managers are reporting sleep disorders, depression and being on the verge of tears for weeks on end – not exactly the kind of uplifting people-work they set off to face in their people-oriented careers!
Although there may be no way to avoid these difficult tasks, their repercussions on staff can be contained. Part of this includes believing that how you deliver the message can impact the outcome positively. Full preparation and being in the right frame of mind can help to protect your sense of self while making the message more humane.
The following suggestions come from a variety of sources but they all point to one truth: Find the help that you need from your personal and business support systems during these challenging times!
1. Contribute to a process that respects and maintains everyone’s dignity by being well-prepared, direct, firm and calm. Since your personal inclinations are likely to be anything but that, find ways to get into the right frame of mind when the time comes, be that visualization, meditation, talking to a peer, etc.
2. Focus on the company Vision; it is why you came to work here in the first place and can help you to center on what is important when moving forward.
3. Promote respect in the conversations. You might feel awful, but crying, hugging or saying that you are sorry or that you understand how they feel is out of place and undermines the respect that the person deserves.
4. If there was ever a time to watch work-life balance issues, this is it. Eat regular meals and avoid guilt-inducing treats and junk food that can also leave you with a sugar “crash.” An extra alcoholic beverage is not the answer and evening routines need to promote good sleep patterns.
5. Socialize with friends. Talk to your peers – the hugs are fine there. If possible, plan a vacation day or some time off for after the bad messages are delivered and fill it with everything that you love.
6. Be prepared for feelings of guilt; after all, you still have a job and of course you empathize with those who have been impacted.
7. Don’t forget to call your support team at TPO. We can help you focus on the business reasons and help you practice how you want to say it. We are there to listen and help you in any way that we can!
TPO is an award-winning firm established in 1991 made up of a group of highly experienced, nationally certified HR experts and trainers. TPO is licensed by the State of California (PI-25638) to provide investigative services. For more information, please contact us at 800-277-8448 or visit our web site www.tpohr.com.
Contents © 2011 TPO Human Resource Management. No part of this article may be reproduced, excerpted or redistributed in any form without express written permission from TPO Human Resource Management.
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