This document discusses how to handle employee productivity improvement projects and layoffs in a way that minimizes negative reactions and potential for violence. It emphasizes anticipating a range of emotional responses, from denial and anger to depression and desperation. Key steps include identifying employees at high risk, recognizing "red flags" like threats or access to weapons, providing support resources, treating all employees with dignity, and clearly communicating the rationale for changes in a fair and equitable manner. The goal is to guide employees through the emotional stages of job loss and redirect them in a positive manner.
4. Hello!!
? My name is Paul Cogswell. I am the
Director of Corporate Investigations
for Sears, Roebuck and Co.
? Write 5 items which would introduce
you to me.
5. Hello!!
? Write 5 items¡.
? What you wrote was determined
by:
¨C the setting
¨C the purpose
¨C our relationship
¨C your view of self
? Father of 3, husband employed by Sears
6. Unfulfilled Dreams
Can you imagine ¡.
? Telling your spouse and children ¡.
¨C Retirement must be postponed?
¨C There is no health insurance coverage
for an existing serious illness?
¨C Second jobs all around?
¨C Must Consolidate Residences?
¨C Education plans must be cancelled?
7. What if ¡...
? Your company unexpectedly
terminated your services, what
emotions would you experience?
12. What if ¡...
? Reactions to termination will move
with time!!!
¨CMay mellow or intensify over short
and / or long term
¨CMay begin with anger and migrate
to acceptance
¨CMay begin with denial and migrate
to desperation, depression, suicide
13. What if ¡...
? Expect outbursts
¨CNot unhealthy
¨CMay ¡°feel¡± abusive
? It is ¡°normal¡±
? ¡°Handling¡± will likely determine if
¡°bitter pill¡± and / or ¡°physical threat
-- security threat¡±
14. What if ¡...
? Hone ¡°defusing¡± skills
¨CEmotion Labeling -- ¡°I hear, see,
feel¡..¡±
¨C¡°I¡± message -- ¡°I become
concerned when you say¡..¡±
¨CParaphrasing
¨CEchoing
15. What if ¡...
? ¡°OK¡± to say ¡°I understand¡± but not to
say ¡°OK¡±
? Non-Verbal Agreement
¨C Positive Eye Contact
¨C Head nod
¨C Lean forward
? Feather Pillow -- One-sided
Argument
16. Have You Ever Tried
To Talk To Someone
Who Is Under-The-
Influence?
30. Denial At Loss
C
O
P
E
V
I
C
T
I
M
Impact Generalized
Impact Personalized
Individual
attention at start
Less Personal
Attention
Individual
attention at start
Intensive
attention
Intervention
32. Denial At Loss
C
O
P
E
V
I
C
T
I
M
Which direction will an
individual employee take?
It depends:
1. On individual strength
and/or
2. Company
redirection plan
execution
36. Redirection:
Can Often Cause
Poor Relations
With Public
Anxiety &
Stress
¡°Survivor Guilt¡±
(Are We Next?)
Distrust of
Managemen
t
Fear of Larger Reductions Next
37. Identify ¡°High-Risk¡±
Employees
Those Who Have
Difficulty Adjusting
to Change
Multiple Family
Members Losing
Their Jobs
Previously
Laid Off
¡°Brittle¡±
Personalities
(inflexible)
39. Letting Off Steam
Expect: Angry, verbal
reaction
Initial reaction is not indicative of long
term reaction ---- but take note
Let the employee have a ¡°one-
sided argument.¡±
40. Behavioral ¡°Red Flags¡±
Consider Past History (Verbal,
Physical, Intimidation)
Paranoia:
Blaming-¡±Out-to-
get-me¡±
Comments About Violence
and/or Mischief
(i.e. ¡°Going Postal¡± etc.)
41. Behavioral ¡°Red Flags¡±
Other Troubles
(spouse, kids, legal, financial, etc.)
Identify the ¡°Job¡±
as Their Life
Hints of Possible Suicide
42. Hints of Suicide
?Talks of Harming Self
?Information of Previous
Attempts
?History of Suicide in Family
?Increased Use of Alcohol
43. Hints of Suicide (cont¡¯d)
?Warnings from Co-Workers, Family,
Friends
?Irrational Statements
?Sudden Changes in Physical Health
?Living Alone & Social
Withdrawal
44. Hints of Suicide (cont¡¯d)
?Depression ¨C Giving Away Possessions
?Speaking in Past-Tense or Third Person
?Spending Spree/New Debts
?Surprisingly Impulsive Behavior
(Immature, Self-Defeating, Anger Bursts)
47. Providing Safety Nets
Outside Consultants
Outplacement Programs
Appearance Of Neutrality
Appearance Of Genuine Interest
Don¡¯t Make Them Ask
48. Tid-Bits and Other
Morsels
Provide a clear and
believable business
rationale to explain
need for change
Communicate it clearly
to all employees
49. Tid-Bits and Other
Morsels
Rule for successful
redirection:
COMMUNICATE
Don¡¯t Isolate
In Writing; Face-to-Face;
Video; Teleconference
50. Tid-Bits and Other
Morsels
Rule for successful
redirection:
Put A Face To
The Process
In writing -- Face-to-Face --
Video -- Teleconference
51. Make the process to
select who is to stay
one that is perceived
as fair and equitable.
At every step of the process respect
the dignity, feelings and worth of all
company employees.
Tid-Bits and Other
Morsels
53. Summary
Recognize Employees¡¯ Responses
to Job Loss
Identify Potential ¡°High-Risk¡±
Employees
Make Use of Potential Resources
Consider Rules to Prevent Violence
When Redirecting