Many of my clients in leadership positions share their deep distress about the uncertainty of their future and the well-being of their teams. They face difficult decisions regarding funding and the sustainability of their organizations. The weight of managing their employees’ anxiety is overwhelming. Here are a few thoughts on this pressing issue:
- My friend Ari, a partner at Zingerman’s, wrote in his newsletter about the importance of treating people with dignity. Letting employees go or cutting short their careers is a deeply undignified experience.
- Most responsible leaders do not take layoffs or terminations lightly. They understand that losing a job is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure. It causes lasting psychological wounds, not only for the individuals but for their families as well.
- I have personally witnessed the devastation that job loss brings. My father worked for 25 years at a small auto supplier in Detroit. One day, he was employed; the next, he was told the business was closing. He lost his job and healthcare benefits overnight, with no severance. At 60, he was emotionally and financially unprepared for retirement.
- My grandfather suffered a similar fate when his business was destroyed in the 1967 Detroit riots. He never recovered. He spent the rest of his life battling depression and anger.
- Many thoughtful leaders recognize the pain of layoffs and strive to soften the blow. They offer severance, extend healthcare benefits, and provide job placement assistance. These acts of support make a world of difference.
- Unfortunately, government policies are now putting jobs at risk for people at all levels of the government. Times are especially fraught for scientists and researchers who are reliant on grants from institutions like the National Institutes of Health. When funding disappears overnight, their critical work is disrupted, and society loses the benefit of their discoveries.
- We all know someone now who is fearful about job security. Now, more than ever, we must offer support, whether through networking opportunities or simply listening with empathy.
- In these uncertain times, sharing ideas and perspectives is essential. If you have thoughts on this topic, I encourage you to reach out and be part of the conversation.