Tough Questions for Tough Times

We are facing workplace challenges many of us have never faced before. If your organization is facing layoffs, reorganizations, or other upheavals, you are probably spending your days looking at budgets and planning for a new reality. You are working hard to make the best decisions to get through this period in a stronger, more nimble position.

While you are focusing on the future, others in your organization may be struggling with the present. How you respond to questions about organizational changes, regardless of the nature of the change, will impact how you are perceived now and in the future. While employees may be asking questions like, "will I have a job?" "who are the decision makers?" and "what options do I have?" you should be asking yourself and your organization's leaders questions like:

• How will we communicate the message of change?

• Where can employees get answers to their questions about organizational changes?

• How will we say goodbye if people will be leaving our organization?

• How will we greet new employees who may be joining us due to restructuring?

• How can we convey compassion and respect for employees who may be facing a loss?

• What resources will be made available to employees who may be laid off?

• How can we refocus the workforce on critical activities like maintaining customer loyalty and
increasing productivity?

• How can we show appreciation to employees who go the extra mile during tough times?

Regardless of your organization or industry, you are probably facing challenges that you've not faced before. Have you covered all of your bases and considered the impact changes will have on the people you depend upon most?