Yesterday, I was known as the hatchetwoman. I was that dreaded HR person who had to let go a handful of employees, some of them long-tenured, as a result of the economic downturn. No fault of their own...just the bad luck of not having enough business coming in. Needless to say, even I didn't like myself too much. How do you look someone in the eye and say that it was not personal -- it was a "difficult business decision", just as the script instructed us to say.
We can justify and rationalize all we want, but at the end of the day, it's people's lives, livelihoods and families that are impacted. Part of me is relieved (that it wasn't me and I still have a job) and another part of me is feeling a tremendous amount of guilt.
If there is one bright spot (if that) is that my departing colleagues are getting financial planning/budget management support from a certified financial counselor as part of their outplacement benefit. At a minimum, it is a resource to help them get counseling and tools on how they can stretch out their severance pay and unemployment benefits for as long a time as it takes to find a new job...I hope they use it.
The morning after layoffs
October 17th, 2008 at 03:08 pm
October 17th, 2008 at 03:29 pm 1224257397
I have had people cry, swear at me, and threaten me. I have also had people thank me and understand that it was difficult. The way I have approached things is always how would I want to be treated.
I believe that is all you can do. Try not to be so hard on yourself.
October 17th, 2008 at 04:18 pm 1224260295
I don't envy you. ((hugs))
October 17th, 2008 at 05:04 pm 1224263097
November 8th, 2008 at 03:33 pm 1226158401