RSS
Home
Communication is the key
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
In today’s economy, it is very clear that employers are taking drastic steps to ensure they are still in existence at the end of these challenging times. Executive decisions are being made to layoff, cut hours, and change benefit plans and or structures. However, the reasons for these steps are not being clearly communicated to the members of the business.
This article is not meant for those organizations who only value their bottom line. If this is you, you may stop here.
Failure to communicate with members of the business has opened the door to the loss of not only those individuals that you could probably do without, but also the loss of proven performers that businesses would like to keep. Breakdowns in communication open the door to fear. To many, fear is justification to run. Therefore, businesses who not only value their bottom line, but also their employees should consider taking the time to educate their team on the reasons for decisions being made. It is critical to be specific whenever possible. For example, if hours are going to be cut, it would be a good idea to let employees know the failure to take such action could result in the loss of approximately X number of positions within the organization within a specified period of time, and the reasons why this will happen in layman terms. Another example is the restructuring of benefits plans. Benefits are important to most employees. However, if employees are provided with details for changes, like failure to make such a change will result in cuts in services or increased production costs, which will result in the ultimate loss in approximately X number of positions within the organization. Some people will not see beyond their personal wants and needs when it comes to something so important, but many will see the importance of saving jobs (maybe their own) versus the increased potential costs to them personally. Sharing the goal of “keeping the team whole to the best of your ability” should be clear in any justification. For this kind of information leaves employees informed, and clarifies the specifics that many employees are wrongly assuming when it comes to the motivation of the business. Hence, such communication addresses the assumptions drawn by employees that ultimately decrease the morale of the entire team, and a breakdown in trust.
Many are not aware of the fact that payroll and benefits are the biggest ‘costs’ for any organization. Cutting office expenses, and changing rates with vendors will not impact huge deficits in an organization’s financials. Therefore, these are two areas that are ultimately considered when an organization is faced with significant challenges when it comes to being financially viable.
Most businesses make these decisions and provide a blanket reason why. Many businesses are cutting hours and changing benefits for very specific reasons, and it is not just to “save the company money.” It could be an opportunity to preserve the chore services and/or quality of the products offered, which will save the jobs of thousands of employees, so they will be able to continue to provide for themselves and their families. Or it could be another reason. If you are looking to be an employer who is seen positively by your employees, it is important to keep them informed. Sharing the harsh reality of the business will be hard to hear, but they will respect the decisions being made if they understand the full reasons why. Think about it. Wouldn’t you?
Related Articles:
Comments
