How To Manage Your Project Team Through Layoffs

How To Manage Your Project Team Through Layoffs

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Layoffs are a common occurrence these days in most companies, and for some firms more than others. It almost goes without saying that the fear of impending layoffs will have a serious and negative impact on employees, who wonder if theyll be next and will not be able to give their own jobs their undivided attention. Not only may they wind up spending time scouting for other employment opportunities, but the nosedive in morale will also affect productivity, as employees are unable to concentrate as they normally would, and are less motivated to give their all for a company that may be laying them off.

So given all of these factors, what can a project manager do to help guide a team through layoffs that may have already occurred or are in process?

One of the most important aspects of such a situation is to respect employees by being honest with them. Companies often leave employees in the dark, perhaps not realizing that in the absence of any kind of information; those workers will fill in the blanks for themselves, either assuming whats happening or speculating, often wildly incorrectly. Even if they are correct, for example in thinking that massive layoffs are around the bend, the uncertainty of whats going on will only exacerbate the situation.

As a project manager, you have to realize that your team members are not stupid at least one can hope thats not the case! Even if no layoffs have occurred, theyre sure to sense that something is in the air, what with closed door meetings, policy changes, and just the general workplace uncertainty that is currently gripping the U.S. Your role as their manager is to be honest with them and give them the information you have, without speculating or causing alarm. For example, you may be restricted from telling people who may be on the chopping block, as part of company policy. However, you can speak to your team as a whole, let them know whats going on within the company, and tell them that yes, there are likely to be layoffs but that the exact plan for those layoffs is not yet certain. You could also tell them that you cant divulge specific information, but will do your best to keep everyone appropriately apprised.

While this may not directly help those who are on the list of impending layoffs, it can help your team members make sure that their financial house is in order in case the unthinkable should occur, which is a good practice for anyone regardless of employment status.

And of course, you should also be available to team members who have questions or would like to talk through the situation, speaking to them calmly and openly. Your demeanor as a project team leader will go far in reassuring your team members that come what may, they can trust you to be honest with them and treat them fairly.

About the Author:
PMCAMPUS is an online leader in PMP Exam preparation. Since 2005, we have trained thousands of PMP exam candidates to pass their PMP exam on the first try. We are leaders in online training for PMI's -PMP certification, CAPM certification and PDU PMP recertification.



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