Bringing Humanity to Downsizing
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How can you keep your work culture strong when your small business is experiencing downsizing?
This pandemic has affected all of us, as individuals and business owners, in different ways.
Businesses have closed. Some have downsized. Others are growing.
But if you are a small business that has experienced layoffs during this time, how can you keep your culture strong for your remaining team members?
Be transparent. Let the team know what happened and why. Don’t lie about it. Address the team’s concerns and questions. Have that uncomfortable conversation.
Be a resource for those let go. Get with your HR leaders (if you have them) and help your former team members through the process of unemployment. Network with friends or other business owners for any job openings they might be a good fit for. Why? Because it shows your team what kind of leader you are and eases their fears. You may be in a position to re-hire them back. It’s the right thing to do.
Keep connected to your mission. Since March, your mission may have pivoted, which is even more reason to talk about it regularly and how each person on the team is connected to the purpose of your business. This is important ALL the time, not just during 2020.
Keep having uncomfortable conversations. There is no handbook for this moment in time. Conversations (not texts or emails) are the key to a strong organizational culture and are SO important to navigating the unknown. Brainstorm. Collaborate. Get vulnerable. Talk about things that (seemingly) may not be related to work. Being human at work is not “unprofessional,” it’s necessary.
What challenges is YOUR business facing right now?
Need help? Come find me.