Inclusion of Employees During Downsizing

Downsizing in organizations inevitably lead to low morale among surviving employees. They often feel uncertain of their own fates in the organization, disengaged, and unmotivated to concentrate on productivity. Studies have shown that perceived control serves as an antidote to these types of negative effects of layoffs. While the remaining employees may not have much actual say in major financial and organizational decisions in the company, it is extremely important to include them in discussions on what is to come in the future. By inviting them to be a part of the change processes, employers are empowering them and giving them confidence that may lead to increases in both loyalty to the organization and work productivity. One way that employers can do this is by conducting open forums with two-way conversations where management shares information with the staff and vice versa. While it may not be feasible to consider everyone's input and concerns, it is a helpful way for the employees' voices to be heard and possibly make a difference. If it is uncomfortable to communicate in large crowds, management can run smaller focus groups that are a more comfortable environment for employees to openly and honestly share their opinions.