Layoffs And Layoff
Survivors’ of layoff or job loss are also coping with stress and may also grieve the loss of a co-worker. According to Brockner, “(the) layoffs may elicit anxiety produced by job insecurity that may in turn influence the performance of survivors. (Brockner et al, Layoffs, 373)” There may also be questions as to whether management made the decision on who to keep and who to let go, fairly, and not based on personal preference. Brockner explains that “(Survivors) may be worried or anxious that they too will be laid off at some future date, or angry, especially if they perceive the layoffs as illegitimate. (Layoffs 375)” Clearly identifying the reason for layoffs and job cuts must be communicated to the surviving employees to mitigate stress,
anxiety, and perhaps relieve them of feeling guilty about still being employed. As Jenna Goudreau a business and women’s leadership writer for Forbes explains, “These employees are also prime targets for feelings survivor’s guilt, a confused feeling of relief and grief: relief that they have not been laid off and grief for friends that have been.” Layoff survivors at Caterpillar are relieved to still be employed, yet some have exhibited signs of stress and anxiety.
Employees receiving traumatic news, experience a wave of emotions, though not all people share the same emotions or feelings. In a September 25 webinar, a Finally Friday series, professionals working for the Caterpillar Employee Assistance Program discussed feelings and common reactions that a person may experience when involved in a highly stressful event. Some common reactions include fear, anxiety, uncertainty, anger, guilt, elation, joy, and even ambivalence (CatHealth). John Archer and Valerie Rhodes reported in their study The grief process and job loss: A cross-sectional study, that unemployment has psychological consequences, they reported that “Many studies documented the association (of job loss) with lack of psychological well-being, and with mental and physical disorders, lack of self-esteem, and social isolation... (Archer 395).” Job loss is difficult, both mentally and physically, and without proper support, the road to recovery may be difficult.
anxiety, and perhaps relieve them of feeling guilty about still being employed. As Jenna Goudreau a business and women’s leadership writer for Forbes explains, “These employees are also prime targets for feelings survivor’s guilt, a confused feeling of relief and grief: relief that they have not been laid off and grief for friends that have been.” Layoff survivors at Caterpillar are relieved to still be employed, yet some have exhibited signs of stress and anxiety.
Employees receiving traumatic news, experience a wave of emotions, though not all people share the same emotions or feelings. In a September 25 webinar, a Finally Friday series, professionals working for the Caterpillar Employee Assistance Program discussed feelings and common reactions that a person may experience when involved in a highly stressful event. Some common reactions include fear, anxiety, uncertainty, anger, guilt, elation, joy, and even ambivalence (CatHealth). John Archer and Valerie Rhodes reported in their study The grief process and job loss: A cross-sectional study, that unemployment has psychological consequences, they reported that “Many studies documented the association (of job loss) with lack of psychological well-being, and with mental and physical disorders, lack of self-esteem, and social isolation... (Archer 395).” Job loss is difficult, both mentally and physically, and without proper support, the road to recovery may be difficult.