How to Survive a Layoff

Episode 67 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast, hosted by Wanda Thibodeaux, titled "How to Survive a Layoff" was published on February 13, 2023 and runs 18 minutes.

February 13, 2023 ·18m · Faithful on the Clock

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Episode Description

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In this episode...

How to Survive a Layoff

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-survive-a-layoff

Layoffs always have been a harsh reality of the business world, but right now, they’re happening more than ever. Episode 67 of Faithful on the Clock outlines why layoffs are so difficult for both employers and workers and provides some tactics for getting through them well.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:30] - Summary of factors leading to uptick in layoffs

[02:11] - Guilt and self-doubt can come along with a layoff. Leaders can feel like they’ve failed their teams or aren’t skilled. Don’t beat yourself up for what you can’t control.

[03:40] - Employees can feel like they wouldn’t have lost their jobs if they just performed better. But companies often let people go just because they don’t fit the companies’ new strategies. [04:47] - People still can have value and talent even when a business pivots. Try to see how your skills and knowledge could apply to new environments and trust that you have options.

[06:07] - The stories of Elijah and Ruth demonstrate that people in power have done away with workers and created worry for centuries. But God supplied and did not leave things unfair.

[08:33] - Employers should take care that they are as open as possible about what is happening. They also should not be afraid to cut deep, as repeated rounds of layoffs only worsen anxiety for employees. Employers can allow workers to provide insights and be advocates who unify the remaining personnel to the new strategy.

[10:18] - Employees are not without some control during a layoff. Start by getting information and talking to others to make sure your perspectives and assumptions are founded.

[11:21] - It’s good for employees to come up with an A-B plan, where A represents what they will do if they are not laid off and B represents the precise steps they’ll take if they’re let go.

[13:06] - Employers should take care to ensure workers leave on good terms so that, in the future, it’s possible for those workers to return and apply new skills and knowledge. The focus should be on supporting the larger industry, not just supporting the business.

[15:03] - Employees should make an effort to get the contact information of those who leave. They can minister to those people, and by keeping them in their network, also celebrate with them when wins happen. This can help the remaining employees feel less loss.

[16:00] - Prayer

[16:53] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Companies are enduring many layoffs right now for a range of reasons, including fallout from the pandemic. The situation is dire enough that you can assume you know someone who it touches, even if you are not experiencing a layoff scenario yourself.
Leaders often can feel guilty during a layoff and wonder what they could have done to save their teams. But they often are put into layoff scenarios by factors outside of their control.
Employees often feel as though they could have saved their jobs if they just worked harder or were better. But companies often lay people off based on how they aim to pivot, not necessarily based solely on performance. Workers can have enormous value if they continue to see different ways to apply their offer. It’s not always their fault they have to pack up.
The stories of Elijah and Ruth show that people of value easily can be displaced by people in power. But God dealt favorably with his servants. He puts people who mistreat the faithful in their place.
Employers can get through layoffs better by being more open and cutting deeply quickly. Getting feedback and giving people a voice through the layoff also is beneficial.
Employees going through layoffs can combat some stress by taking action where they can. This can include asking questions of the employer, doing personal research, and making a plan for what to do if you leave or stay in the company.
Leaders and employees both need to pay attention to how they deal with people leaving during the layoff. Employers can take positive steps such as introducing people or providing resources, keeping in mind that they are obligated to support the larger industry. Employees can try to keep coworkers in their network, celebrate with them, and offer support as they transition.

CTAs:

Have an open and honest conversation about the state of your company. What are the odds layoffs would happen? Share insights about how everyone can work together to prevent that scenario or reduce the negative consequences.
If layoffs already are happening, share relevant information you have and ask the questions that are causing you anxiety.

What’s coming up next:

No two leaders are alike, and there are multiple leadership styles out there. Is one “better” than the others? How can you discover your own style? That’s coming up in Episode 68 of Faithful on the Clock.

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