Layoff-based growth strategies create an odd paradox: While they’re aimed at short-term cost-shearing, the corporate layoffs almost always result in a decline in or disruption to employee morale, retention and productivity. The bottom line? Layoffs have both immediate and long-term costs.

Employee morale is as important as ever during a cost-cutting period because continued productivity is crucial. The expenses that proactive, preventive measures require — such as those associated with an effective leadership and communication program — can significantly offset the costs that a company incurs when employees get laid off and others flee the coop, resulting in lowered productivity and morale, and a reduction in organizational knowledge. For example, if orientation and retention issues have carried high financial and cultural costs for a company, inspired leadership and high-quality communication prove a nominal expense to help decrease layoff-related costs, which threaten to increase just as the company moves into expense-reduction mode.

This article summarizes the "shadow side" of layoffs; identifies eight (8) tips for countering the negative effects of layoffs on morale, productivity, innovation and knowledge; and includes at least two statistical references that reinforce the article's main message and can help you build a business case for a more effective communication program in your organization.

The full "Layoffs, Morale and Right-Communication" article is now available in two of our PDF Issue-Tips Kit:

• Change Management Communication Essentials, and
• Inspired-Leadership Essentials.

You'll find both of these Issue Kit selections in the Ivy Sea PDF Content Library, along with other Issue Kits on employee-communication, interpersonal communication, small groups, and other pertinent issues.

Purchase this or other Ivy Sea skill-building issue kits – or customize your own to suit your particular project, initiative or training program.

More information on Ivy Sea's skill-building PDF Library and Content Archive please...

Ivy Sea Organizational-Change, Inspired-Leadership, and Conscious-Enterprise Consulting; and Big-Vision Entrepreneur Coaching Services: Visit About Ivy Sea to learn how we can help you: (1) discover how to define your "big-vision small business" or conscious-enterprise principles, (2) clarify and make progress towards your vision, (3) make the most of your group or organizational strengths, (4) identify ways to "get there from here," (including effective and authentic communication), and (5) rise to greater levels of mastery, success and meaningfulness as an individual, group or organization. How can we help you? Let's count the ways! We welcome your call or email inquiry.