What Do You Say?

Here's a staggering figure: over 240,000 jobs were lost in the first three months of this year.

Worse, though, is that every one of those jobs had a face. A name. A person attached to it. Someone who was counting on that job.

Having to communicate layoffs and closures and downsizings is the least satisfying part of our jobs as internal communicators. We struggle with the human side of the issue, with knowing that the conversations we're having are difficult to say, much less hear. We try to soften the blow with nice words and phrases that look good on paper but will always ring hollow no matter which words we choose.

It's a difficult business, this communicating layoffs. The New York Times ran an article Sunday about the language of loss and how the jobless are treated by those around them. It was an insightful look at how life changes for those who have lost their jobs while it seemingly goes on for their coworkers. But the truth is that those who keep their jobs feel just as awkward, guilty even, for having survived the cuts. This in turn leads to treating their once close friends almost as strangers, not knowing what to say or how to act. It takes time for people to go through the same grieving process as they would in any other kind of loss. It's difficult having to figure out new roles, new relationships, new ways of thinking about old things.

When you're faced with having to communicate job cuts, remember that each of those jobs has a person attached it. And that person is going to go through a change that will impact every part of life, including the relationships with people who have kept their jobs. It's a fine line to walk, being empathetic while also outlining the business reasons behind the decision. But there's a right way and a wrong way to do it and your instincts as a person, moreso than those as a communicator, will help you figure out how best to proceed.

When it's time to handle these difficult conversations, what do you say? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

Comments

[Randy Gregg]

Hey Jason,
I love the blog. Great information shared in your special style. Your insights are right on target.
Keep up the good work.