In a time when high performance is critical, employers that conduct layoffs may find that layoff survivors are disenchanted, de-motivated and disengaged—characteristics that can drag down the fiscal health of the entire company. In a study conducted by the Kenexa Research Institute, four key themes emerged as drivers of engagement for survivors:

• Build confidence in the organization and its leaders;
• Instill optimism for the future;
• Care for employees (e.g., manage stress and work/life balance, ensure safety, offer adequate pay, support the community); and
• Train survivors to keep the business running and serving customers.

“The results of this analysis provide companies that are undergoing—or planning to undergo—layoffs invaluable insight into how to keep survivor employees engaged,” according to Jack Wiley, executive director at Kenexa. “After the chaos of downsizing, it is imperative that leaders work hard to re-instill confidence in the viability of the organization, as well as set up support systems for work stress. The aftermath of layoffs is messy, but unwavering leadership can heal their organization more quickly by equipping employees to do more with less in their attempts to meet and exceed customer needs.”

Source: The Kenexa Research Institute Identifies Priority Number One in the Aftermath of Layoffs: Reengaging Employees, released December 9, 2008; Kenexa Research Institute, 650 East Swedesford Road, 2nd Floor, Wayne, PA 19087; telephone: 877-971-9171.