Moving on can be hard to do
Even before the events of September 11,
more than 1.5 million American workers had been laid-off.
Economists sometimes predict downturns that can help
indicate if lay-offs might be in the future. What employees
often underestimate is the negotiating power available,
regardless of a weak economy. Companies want to avoid
legal action by ex-employees and to uphold morale to
the employees remaining at the company.
Although severance packages will most likely not be
as expansive the more profits decline, certain situations
stand out even amongst mass lay-offs. Companies are
still able to recognize sacrifices employees made for
the position and after being laid off ex-employees
can remind supervisors of the predicament the job loss
has presented. More important in the bargaining attempts
is not to let emotions run the show.
Upon learning of the lay-off, employees should resist
from signing anything until the initial shock has subsided
and the package offered is fully considered. Asking
for things in writing for review and to clear up any
confusion should occur. Back everything up that is
important and take a copy of it home, while respecting
proprietary and confidential information. Since a company
will most likely block network and email access in
a lay-off situation it is a good idea for employees
in any position to make copies of work projects, referrals,
etc that will later help in finding a new job position
despite job position security.
Taking care of loose ends and acting fast upon hearing
the news of a lay-off will better ensure preparation
to leave has already been taken care of when asked
to leave. A very stressful and emotional time, lay-offs
can be difficult but employees should remember to conduct
themselves with professionalism and to use leverage
to negotiate a better severance transaction by appealing
to corporate decency instead of falling back on bruised
egos and anger.
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