- Create an atmosphere of trust and listening
It’s well known that uncertainty fuels anxiety. When an employee perceives or anticipates a risk to their job, they may feel helpless and demotivated. In this context, it is recommended for companies to adopt a transparent and regular mode of communication. Keeping employees informed about the company’s situation, challenges, and strategies helps reduce the climate of uncertainty.
Tips:
- Organize informational meetings to discuss economic developments that could affect the company;
- Encourage open discussions during team meetings where employees can ask questions and express concerns;
- Use various communication channels to ensure information is shared with all employees (emails, memos, group or individual meetings);
- Be transparent about organizational changes;
- Be open about events as they unfold.
- Maintain a positive work environment
A positive and motivating environment helps employees manage stress better and maintain a mindset conducive to productivity, even during times of uncertainty.
Tips:
- Highlight the efforts and contributions of teams and employees;
- Create a "safe space" where employees can freely express themselves without fear of reprisal;
- Encourage regular recognition to celebrate small victories in daily tasks;
- Foster a culture of mutual support and collaboration.
- Explore alternatives to layoffs
Before considering layoffs or abolishing positions, it is recommended to analyze the different solutions available. Keep in mind that situations are often temporary (sometimes longer than others), and recovery will inevitably follow. One of the risks companies face is a lack of skilled workforce for the recovery.
Possible alternatives:
- Temporary reduction of working hours;
- Job-sharing programs;
- Voluntary unpaid leave;
- Unemployment supplement programs.
- Support employees during job loss
When layoffs become inevitable, the company can support employees by offering career transition assistance to help them in their search for a new job. Affected individuals would meet with an expert who will help them assess their skills, update their resumes, explore new opportunities, conduct mock interviews, etc.
Support measures:
- Provide internal CV revision or writing assistance;
- Offer job references for affected employees;
- Seek out unaffected companies and offer the laid-off resources;
- Connect laid-off employees with recruiters.
- Provide psychological support
The stress related to uncertainty, whether on a personal level or concerning work (e.g., the potential loss of a job), can have significant consequences on the well-being and mental health of employees. For this reason, more and more companies are implementing employee assistance programs (EAP) to offer psychological support tailored to employees' needs. Such programs help reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, prevent long-term mental health issues, and strengthen employee engagement with the organization. It’s becoming a necessity for businesses today.
Tips:
- Establish an employee assistance program (EAP);
- Hold workshops on stress management;
- Organize training on resilience during uncertain times;
- Train managers to recognize signs of psychological distress.
Conclusion
Economic uncertainty, especially in a context where political decisions can directly impact businesses and their employees, is a significant challenge. However, by focusing on transparent communication, tailored psychological support, alternatives to layoffs, and effective support for affected employees, employers can mitigate the negative impact of these changes. More than just a matter of responsibility, it is an investment in the resilience and sustainability of the company.
Want to discuss the impact of these tips for your organization? At Bedard Human Resources, we can assist you. Contact Stéphane Pépin for more information about our HR consulting services.
