Independent
Software Developer
HR Manager
Team Leader
Accountant
Copy Writer
Customer Service
Virtual Assistance
Paralyzed by fear
Massive layoffs prompted by the rise of artificial intelligence have instilled paranoia in workplaces, which has adversely affected employee productivity and morale.
It seems like every week, companies all over the world are laying off hundreds and thousands of employees to replace them with bots. Instead of working, employees are looking for telltale signs of an impending downsizing.
A warmer-than-usual office is regarded as a cost-cutting measure, and the company might be struggling with its finances. Some go crazy whenever their supervisor doesn’t look them in the eye when they cross paths along the hallways. Some submit mediocre work, dulled by fear of losing their job.
This is a concerning development that warrants serious attention. For a business to be successful, its employees must be in the right mindset. A machine cannot operate if its parts are flimsy.
Managing expectations
It is unfortunate, but layoffs are part of corporate life. At one point in the economic development cycle, a perfect storm of market forces stifle business growth. A major economic catastrophe, such as the 2008 financial crisis, had a profound impact on most industries.
In other cases, a firm’s pioneering venture has stopped yielding the profits it once reaped due to new competition or the company’s failure to adapt. As such, they have no choice but to sack this division and, unfortunately, the people in it.
Given the inevitability and inherent difficulty of the layoff process, businesses must be candid and transparent with their workers. We’re not just talking about the difficult task of informing employees that they’re about to be retrenched. That comes later. We’re referring to a culture of professionalism and honesty that the company has been cultivating since day one.
This entails consistently reiterating the commercial contract between the employee and the employer. Workers do not treat each other as family members, but rather as teammates working towards a common objective.
This isn’t a cold or indifferent approach. Different social units have different boundaries and expectations. Family setups hinge on unconditional love. Work relationships are professional and based on roles, responsibilities, and objectives.
People value honesty above all else. There’s nothing more deceitful than calling employees ‘family’ then letting them go the following day. Sugarcoating only erodes trust, especially in professional settings.
Seamless communication
Instilling this culture enables workers to manage their expectations objectively, allowing them to navigate the ebbs and flows of work life without being clouded by emotions. For businesses, this makes disseminating information, whether good or bad, relatively easier.
A major technological revolution or an economic crisis could spark layoff paranoia among workers. But if the corporate culture is sound, worker productivity won’t take a massive hit. If a layoff is indeed forthcoming, both parties can help each other navigate the next steps in a calm and professional manner.
The question for your business
How do you manage employee expectations in the workplace?
