Working at a Downsized Company – How to Keep Your Morale High

(from the EMPLOYEE perspective)

Part 1 of 2

Thoughts from Coach Bob

By Bob Barkett, CPA                              

The 2009 economy experience left many companies with no choice but to downsize the workforce. Justification was easy – reduce costs or go out of business. Let’s say, however, that you were one of the “fortunate” ones to keep your job. Shortly after the brief celebration, you realize that now you wear two or more job hats. Some of the new responsiblities are strange yet the expectations are greater than ever. You find that you can’t get the job done in the “normal” eight hour day and evenings and/or Saturdays become the new norm.  That easy disposition everyone liked about you isn’t there anymore and the home life, what little there is, isn’t much fun. The kids ask why you aren’t around much and your spouse seems upset most of the time. Hopefully, the picture isn’t this bad but the question remains “How do you keep your morale high in a downsized situation?”

You call Coach Bob and he asks you to think about the following:

ATTITUDE – The best part of keeping a high morale is that its based on something you control – your attitude. It is not and never was the time to “wear your job on your shirtsleeve.”  Try looking at your situation as an opportunity; a chance to consolidate responsibilities of two or more positions into one. How do you do this?  Let’s start with technology and see what the computer can do for you. The computer has helped do things better, faster and more efficiently in the past and can help you now with some imagination.   How about a teamwork approach with other “survivors” who are looking for answers. Two or more heads are better than one so try putting the process to work. See what the power of remaining positive does for your psyche and your fellow workers.

COMMUNICATION –  Solid business practices seem to rise to the forefront when challenging situations occur. To minimize the chance of misunderstanding,  it is most important at this time that you ask for a meeting with your employer and determine what your expanded  responsiblities entail. You may not like what’s now expected of you and may not think its “fair” but at least its all out on the table.  Hopefully, your employer will have taken the initiative to call such a meeting but you should not wait for the boss to make the first move.

LIFE BALANCE – The additional job responsibilities may restrict the time and, if you let it, the quality of your family life. Just as it was important to have communication with your employer, its equally important to talk with your family about the new job situation. While your time may be temporarily reduced, the quality of your shared family time can be enhanced if everyone tries to contribute.  It’s a family situation so everyone should try to come up with ideas on how you can have just as much fun in less time. Its time to speak up and also and time to listen. It will help everyone.

OPTIONS – You might say “surely there are other opportunities out there” and the answer is that there probably are, but just as probably, its not right now. This is a learning experience for you and the employer and it’s a great opportunity to see if its good for both of you. 

Try to remember, this is probably not the last career position you will have, and in time, you will move on. What you learn about yourself and your interactions with your employer and your family  are valuable lessons that will help you well beyond this current tough economy.

NEXT MONTH – Part 2 of 2 – View from the Employer

Bob Barkett is a Partner Emeritus with Skoda Minotti and operates a business coaching practice at Horizons Coaching, Inc. He can be reached at 216.406.0779. For more information visit his web-site www.horizonscoach.com.