It's bad enough people are losing jobs by the thousands. That is a sad reality of our economic situation. But the way those notifications are being done is often without the dignity and respect people deserve, and the sensitivity that is appropriate to the situation. I have been on both sides. As an HR executive I have conducted layoffs, and I have had my own job eliminated. In one situation I told a whole team they were being laid off, only to have my job taken away days later.

The stories I am hearing these days set new standards for insensitivity. There was a time when such discussions took place face to face, in the privacy of an office or conference room. It was done early in the day, early in the week. There was an appreciation for what the news would do to an employee. If employees were geographically disbursed a manager sucked it up and got on planes and/or behind the wheel and did the right thing.

How did we get to where we are today? How did our hearts get so hardened to the pain these difficult business decisions cause our people? Technology does make being 'remote' easier. But I don't buy technology as the reason. Excuse? Maybe. Former employees become employees of competitors, present and future potential customers, consultants that recommend vendors. So it is not just inappropriate behavior, it is bad business. Alumni can either feel good about their former employer because of how their separation was handled, or they can feel like paybacks are in order.

I know there are a great many stories out there and I would like to hear them. I want to hear examples of companies who did it right, who took the high road. And I want to hear examples of how companies took the low road, how a supposed 'best company to work for' acted like a bottom feeder when taking the 'work' away. Perhaps we will get enough of both that we can publish some much needed guidance to all employers, and help them regain the sensitivity to the employees' situation, and re-establish the concept that treating employees with dignity and respect does not stop just before you take their job away.

 

 

 

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