What ever happened to communication?  In this time of daily corporate RIF’s (an overly polite term for lay off), I am amazed at the number of companies that fail to communicate with their employees.   More often than not employees know a RIF is coming it is just a matter of when will it happen, and who will be affected.   If you are one of the lucky few to keep your position you are undoubtedly wondering how will the RIF affect my job.

So many companies today are neglecting to follow up with the employees who are left “holding the bag”.   The biggest impact on moral is not always the initial RIF, it is how management handles the situation after the RIF has happened.   What should you be doing if you are faced with a RIF?

  • Have a meeting.  Meet with your employees and speak frankly about the situation.  Hiding your head in the sand will only perpetuated the FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt). Make sure your messages and agenda has already been communicated with top managers within your organization, as they will be the ones fielding many of the questions.
  • If you can’t meet with all your employees at once set up a video call, or in worst case a conference call.  Seeing is believing.  Top management needs to show concern for those who were part of the RIF, AND those left behind.  Address the situation sincerely and honestly,  it will build respect from within the organization.  If you have employees that are out of the office on the fateful RIF day – make sure the manager or VP of the group contacts them immediately.  Nothing is more embarrassing to a sales person who in a meeting with your customer trying to reach their inside person only to find off they were just laid off.  It certainly does not help the salesperson’s credibility!
  • Look to the Future- be honest work loads will increase, certain programs may be cut, and changes will need to happen.  Be as specific as possible the sooner you set the agenda and everyone is aware of it the sooner you can move forward as an organization.

RIF’s are hard on all levels; management, employees and customers.  Remember your employees are the people in daily contact with your customers they are the ‘face” of your company.

Communication during a time of uncertainty is key to health and success of your company brand!