Managing Layoff Survivors

Date of Award

5-12-2011

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Professional Studies

Organizational Unit

University College, Strategic Human Resources

Disciplines

Strategic HR Management

First Advisor

James Krefft

Keywords

Downsizing, Downsizing intervention, Downsizing process, Layoff, Survivor management, Survivor sickness, Survivor syndrome

Abstract

'Survivor syndrome' or negative consequences of a layoff on survivors is the key reason why layoffs fail. This Capstone Project draws on downsizing-related research and proposes a customizable plan to revitalize the surviving workforce after a downsizing initiative. The plan divides downsizing-related interventions into three phases: pre-downsizing, day of the announcement, and post-downsizing. Key elements of this plan include linking the plan to a revised vision, detailed planning of the process, open, two-way communication systems, employee involvement in all stages of the process, respectable treatment of departing employees, plans to support survivors, training frontline managers, and implementing a top talent retention strategy. The Capstone also addresses roles and responsibilities of leaders, HR professionals, and managers in the survivor management process.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

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