A restructuring and redundancy process can be ugly. It’s a bit like a bad relationship breakup with all the associated craziness. Sadness, loss, anger and anxiety are some of the emotions that you can go through. To make it worse, you think you’ve got over it and the emotional tidal wave hits again.
It’s OK, this is normal and to quote Dr Who’s Daleks “Resistance is futile”. Even those who keep their role can suffer from ‘survivor guilt’ which can be just as destructive. The following are my top five tips for surviving a restructuring process.
1. COMMUNICATE
Most organisations have a connection with an Employee Assistance or Workplace Support Programme. Yet remarkably few people make the most of these excellent resources even when it is offered to them for free.
Discuss your feelings with your family and friends. Try acknowledging your emotions and adopt the mantra “That’s interesting, I’m feeling ‘x’ today, this version of crazy will pass.”
Be very careful about talking to your supervisors and managers. The worst case scenario is that they had nothing to do with the decision to restructure and there is nothing they can do to help you. Chances are they are also on an emotional roller coaster and worried about the longevity of their own position.
2. STAY ON TASK
The absenteeism which is associated with a restructuring process inevitably creates increased workloads for those who do turn up to work. If you are thinking, ‘will I be next’, you may less likely to speak up about your ‘To Do’ list has trebled.
Keep a record of what you have and haven’t done and regularly send it to your supervisor. Make it clear that you are prioritising your workload and verify that what you are doing is the right thing. Try to tactfully raise the issue and send an email to evidence that you had the conversation.
3. STAY AWAY FROM ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS & CHEMICAL COPING STRATEGIES
Turning into an antisocial, play station Droid with a serious hygiene issue is alarming. Combining this with mind altering substances and a fast food diet can spell disaster.
Yes, a few glasses of vino can offer easy relief, yet the few glasses can turn into bottles and a long list of nasties: headaches, nervousness, irritability, and insomnia are not going to help you. Non-chemical coping methods such as exercise, therapeutic massage and relaxation techniques are a far better option.
4. GET READY TO MARKET YOURSELF
People don’t seem to realise that the ’Consultation Process’ is also an unofficial job interview. Prepare for your ‘One on One’ by thinking about the following questions:
1. What skills and qualities do I have that would be useful to the organisation in the future?
2. What personal achievements am I most proud of?
3. Why would I fit into the organisation’s new culture?
4. What roles would I be interested in?
5. What would I like to learn in a new role?
5. FROM MICROSCOPE TO TELESCOPE: CHANGE YOUR WORLD VIEW
While remembering your commitment to your work life equilibrium, keep in mind these two questions: a) ‘How can I help?’ and ‘What do you need?’ if you want to stay in the organisation, it’s time to think about creative problem solving and making a valuable contribution.
Take the focus away from your mental microscope and your future. Instead turn your world view into a telescope looking out at the organisation. Work out what you can do to help the organisation grow and prosper. Even if redundancy is inevitable, you will at the very least get a positive reference.
So that’s it, five tips to help survive the craziness that is restructuring and redundancy. If you have any other suggestions that I can share please email sarah@employmenow.co.nz.