By Bill George
New Straits Times 24/03/2001
DOWNSIZING - the catchword used by modern industrialists and manufacturers to pleasantly announce an impending disaster and their intention to scale down operations, including retrenchment, because business may take a turn for the worse. To employees this may spell a worst case scenario and feelings of insecurity may abound.
Industries most badly affected are those with larger number of workers such as manufacturing or those involved in industrial production. To cut down operation costs, managers will try to find the quickest and most effective means (both short and long term measures). Here, the heaviest casualty would be workers at the lowest rung and those with the least amount of skills.
If you work in such an environment and have fears about not knowing what to do when this situation arises, here are few tips to help you find your way:
Come to terms with the changes
You may react with fear or panic on receiving such news. Meanwhile, the "rumor mill" will be working at full steam creating a whole new batch of anxieties. Accusations will be leveled at the management or government. Instead of following this negative pattern, you should try to get the facts from the management to calm your fears and turn the situation to your favor.
Industries most badly affected are those with larger number of workers such as manufacturing or those involved in industrial production. To cut down operation costs, managers will try to find the quickest and most effective means (both short and long term measures). Here, the heaviest casualty would be workers at the lowest rung and those with the least amount of skills.
If you work in such an environment and have fears about not knowing what to do when this situation arises, here are few tips to help you find your way:
Come to terms with the changes
You may react with fear or panic on receiving such news. Meanwhile, the "rumor mill" will be working at full steam creating a whole new batch of anxieties. Accusations will be leveled at the management or government. Instead of following this negative pattern, you should try to get the facts from the management to calm your fears and turn the situation to your favor.
Here are a few pointers on crisis management that may help you:
- Recognize that the panic and stress you are witnessing are to be expected given the gravity of the situation: and
- Come to terms with the fact that, regardless of how you feel, change is a constant component of your environment and that you have to learn to cope with it.
Understand the organization
A business organization does not take extreme measures, such as downsizing without having considered all other options. At the same time, the management has a responsibility to ensure that the company remains profitable, hence drastic measures are necessary. So try to get a proper understanding of the company's position before making hasty conclusions:
In a new work environment, the management will expect a higher level of productivity. As a retained employee, show your gratitude by being positive and rise to the occasion.
Work as a team
Realize that all your colleagues, including your superiors, are facing stress. Give them due consideration. Be patient with others coping with their new jobs. Focus on the positive. Avoid criticizing but give praises when due.
Personal care
You are going through a stressful period and much is expected of you. You need to take care of your own self under these trying circumstances. Try not to compare your performance with others.
A business organization does not take extreme measures, such as downsizing without having considered all other options. At the same time, the management has a responsibility to ensure that the company remains profitable, hence drastic measures are necessary. So try to get a proper understanding of the company's position before making hasty conclusions:
- Understand the rationale behind the move to downsize, including the company's objectives for retrenchment; and
- Obtain updated information about the company's policies and procedures regarding downsizing instead of blindly following what is handed down to you.
In a new work environment, the management will expect a higher level of productivity. As a retained employee, show your gratitude by being positive and rise to the occasion.
Work as a team
Realize that all your colleagues, including your superiors, are facing stress. Give them due consideration. Be patient with others coping with their new jobs. Focus on the positive. Avoid criticizing but give praises when due.
Personal care
You are going through a stressful period and much is expected of you. You need to take care of your own self under these trying circumstances. Try not to compare your performance with others.
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