The idea of a good layoff is kind of like a good head cold, a good trans-Atlantic flight sandwiched between two portly people, or finding out with five minutes warning that your spouse has signed you up to host a dinner party. It doesn't seem possible, right?
Well, there may be no such thing exactly as a "good" layoff, but there is such a thing as those that aren't nearly as bad as others, says Kristin Tillquist, author of "Capitalizing on Kindness: Why 21st Century Professionals Need to Be Nice."
"Kindness is the key to making layoffs more humane and less painful for everyone involved" says Tillquist. "Simple methods greatly help the person being laid off, giving them the type of treatment that preserves their dignity. Above all, treat them like they are simply retiring, not like they are being fired."
But what about those remaining? Is there anything you can do for these survivors of the workplace shipwreck? Nothing is more disconcerting, after all, than a suddenly-empty desk with no explanation from the bosses and no chance to say goodbye to colleagues. "The very health of your business is dependent on maintaining a positive, and hence more productive, work environment," notes Tillquist, "so showing consideration during layoffs is not just kind; it's a recessionary survival tool for your business."
To help business owners and bosses deal with layoffs, Tillquist offers five tips for a kinder layoff:
1. Say you are sorry for their loss. 2. Thank them for their past service. 3. Let them stay on for a few days after the layoff notice. 4. Offer to help with their professional transition. 5. Let their colleagues say a proper goodbye. Think you could swing a farewell lunch?
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