by
Jim Pinto
Just this past week I saw the HBO
documentary: "The Last Truck - closing of a GM plant". GM employees who had been
with the company for 20 to 30 years sadly followed the last truck as it rolled down
the assembly line. Reactions ranged from philosophical to sentimental; many could
not speak as they became overwhelmed by tears.
The late-1950's bestseller, William
H. Whyte's "Organization Man" described General Motors. People not only worked for
the organization, but sold their psyches as well. They willingly subordinated their
personal goals and desires to conform to the demands of the corporation. Half-century
later, here was the demise of GM, the model company Whyte's book was describing.
During these recessionary times, big
layoffs seem to be the only solution to our economic woes. Already many states have
unemployment rates of more than 10%, and the national average is nearly that.
There are several expressions used
to make the nasty job of layoffs more palatable - cutbacks, downsizing, reduction-in-force
(RIF). Consider this: When your colleague is RIFd, it's a Recession; when YOU are
RIFd it's a Depression!
Most employees who are let-go are
given "the standard company severance package". In the US, it is usually a week
per year of service. In Europe it is much more difficult (and expensive) to layoff
anyone who has been employed for a few years.
There are strict laws involved, usually
covered by making exiting employees sign a document waiving any further claims before
they receive their final check. Under these difficult circumstances, few have the
knowledge or the fortitude to really read the document; many simply sign away their
rights in order to accept immediate payment. Most companies tread the fine line
between decency and legality in the layoff process.
Rockwell had some layoffs during the
past few months at their plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. It's insightful to
read employee comments on the weblogs. The company handled it as well as could be
expected. But still, it's heartbreaking for many long-term employees who are told
suddenly that they are no longer needed. It's tough for everyone: the company, the
exiting employees and the ones remaining.
Here's my own list of Do's and Don'ts
for laid off employees:
- Don't take it personally.
- Don't blame anyone.
- Don't simply look for another
similar job, at a similar pay.
- Do your best to stay positive.
- Do use this opportunity to re-educate
and modernize yourself.
- Do find something you enjoy; hey,
maybe start your own business.
You know what? Being laid off could
be the step that pushed you into something you'll enjoy much more. Develop a NEW
YOU - Version 2.0. You might end up with an occupation that is much better than
anything you thought possible.
My mother told me long ago: "People
like to do what they're good at, and are good at what they like to do." Find something
you're good at, and you'll like doing it.
