Four Strategies to Maintain Engagement and Trust After a Staffing Reduction
Navigating through a reduction in staffing is undoubtedly a challenging time for the organization, the individuals in transition, and those who remain. The emotional toll on the individuals impacted is significant and obvious, however an event can also leave those who remain in the organization feeling untethered, disengaged, and possibly unwilling to fully commit to a go-forward plan.
Effectively leading during this period of change is paramount and will have a significant impact on an employee’s commitment, motivation, and connection to their work. Here are four strategies to support an engaged workforce during times of transition:
- Cultivate Consistency in Communication: Ensure alignment and uniformity in communicating the reasons behind the downsizing or reorganization. Inconsistencies in messages can intensify uncertainty among employees about their future and undermine trust in the leadership team.
- Provide Clear Guidance: Articulate the company’s strategy moving forward and establish clear, achievable, and realistic short-term goals for each employee to help them understand their role in the larger picture. Offer continuous, constructive feedback on employee progress to keep them motivated and focused.
- Foster Open Communication: In times of change, communication cannot be overstated. Set up regular “town hall” meetings, maintain an open-door policy, and allocate office hours for accessibility. The flow of information should be frequent, and interactions need to be genuine and authentic. For larger organizations, consider internal newsletters, hotlines, or change management workshops to facilitate communication.
- Initiate Career Development Conversations: While job security may be uncertain, organizations can empower employees to proactively manage their careers. Encourage conversations that help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and goals, emphasizing how these attributes can contribute to their growth within the organization. Promote activities such as attending industry events, blogging, volunteering, and networking to assist them in developing their personal brand.
Empathetic leadership during challenging times will not only foster resilience and positivity among the team, it will allow the organization to begin a path towards future success.
Reach out to speak with the ClearRock team about Career Transition services.
