How are your staff coping with survivor syndrome?
We have heard about “survivor guilt” from disasters and traumas, such as plane crashes and violent attacks, where the survivors felt guilt and anxiety after the event. Now we are hearing of “survivors” in the workplace who have escaped redundancy, experiencing similar feelings of fear, insecurity and a sense of betrayal. These feelings can result in lower productivity, poorer customer service and even increased team conflict and sickness absence.
It is easy to make the mistake of focusing on the welfare of those being made redundant. Yet the future of the organisation will rely on the survivors.
HCS recommends the following:
1 Have a clear communication plan
Communicate the effect of downsizing on the long-term future of the organisation – this will help employees to understand that there is a strategic need for the changes rather than it being a knee-jerk reaction. Clarity and speed will help reduce overall anxiety and uncertainty.
2 Offer training in soft skills
Managers and supervisors need to keep in mind that emotional responses are not necessarily personal attacks. Training to help managers develop an awareness of non-verbal behaviour will help them adopt open and non-defensive body language.
3 Offer advice and ongoing support
Survivors will respond in many ways and it is important to look out for those who are genuinely distressed by the changes and need further support. The manager needs to know how to read the signals and to offer additional support – referring to a professional service if necessary.
4 Involve the survivors
Managers must be highly visible to their staff, be approachable and honest about the future to rebuild trust and start to remake a positive psychological contract. Involve managers in building the future success by asking them how work can be carried out with fewer staff and which tasks that add little value should be stopped.
5 Manage conflict
Conflict situations between people or teams are more likely to arise during times of strain. Train managers in conflict resolution to nip this in the bud and ensure workplace mediation services are available.
Contact HCS today on 0141 7766456 or email enquiries@humancapitalservices.co.uk to discuss how we can manage or assist in your survivor syndrome programme including the delivery of training to managers to reduce the effects, maintain productivity and improve trust in the workplace.
29 July 2009, Administrator
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