The Dark Side of Layoffs: The Impact on HR Professionals

^Layoffs are becoming an all too familiar reality in today's fast-paced business world. As companies seek to streamline their operations and cut costs, HR professionals find themselves at the forefront of communicating these changes to employees.

But behind the polished presentations and calm demeanour lies a heart-wrenching truth: the emotional toll that mass layoffs take on HR personnel is immense. These unsung heroes bear the weight of a company's decisions, facing their colleagues' tears, fears, and expectations.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at HR professionals' stressors during layoffs, the alarming signs of burnout, and what can be done to protect their well-being. So join us as we delve into the bleak reality of layoffs and the heartbreaking burden on HR professionals.

Breaking Bad News

Breaking the news of a layoff can be one of the toughest parts of an HR professional's job. They are tasked with communicating the difficult decisions made by the company to employees and navigating the delicate balance between empathy and enforcing company policies.

This can emotionally toll HR personnel as they face their colleagues' tears, fears, and expectations. The pressure to get it right can be immense, and the impact on their own mental health in the aftermath of a layoff season cannot be ignored.

The Alarming Signs

The constant stress and pressure HR professionals face during mass layoffs can take a heavy toll on their physical and emotional well-being. In addition, burnout can manifest in a range of alarmingly clear symptoms, making it difficult for HR personnel to maintain their usual level of performance at work.

One of the most obvious signs of burnout is physical exhaustion. HR professionals may feel drained and fatigued, even after a full night's rest. This can lead to a lack of energy and motivation, affecting their ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

Another common symptom of burnout is a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. For example, HR professionals may find that they no longer derive pleasure from hobbies or social activities, which can lead to feelings of isolation and sadness.

A decline in cognitive function is another red flag. HR personnel may struggle to concentrate and complete tasks, making it difficult for them to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities effectively.

Protecting HR Wellbeing

As HR professionals navigate the difficult waters of mass layoffs, it is important to consider their well-being and prevent burnout. The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to reduce stress and promote recovery. In this section of our article, we'll explore the measures organisations can take to protect the health and well-being of their HR staff.

Support and Resources

Some of the most effective ways to prevent burnout are to provide HR personnel with support and resources. This can include offering counselling services, providing time off for self-care, and encouraging HR professionals to prioritise their own physical and mental health. By giving HR personnel the tools they need to manage stress, organisations can help them avoid burnout and maintain their productivity.

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." - Randy Pausch

Open Communication

Organisations can also foster a positive work environment by promoting open communication and transparency. HR personnel should feel comfortable talking to their managers about the challenges they face and seeking help when needed. This can help to prevent burnout and build stronger, more resilient teams.

Investing in Professional Development

Another important step organisations can take is to provide HR personnel with training and development opportunities. This can help HR professionals build new skills and knowledge, which can boost their confidence and resilience. It also helps provide HR personnel with a sense of purpose and fulfilment, which can help counteract the negative effects of burnout.

Balancing Work and Wellness

Finally, organisations can promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging HR personnel to take breaks and prioritise their own well-being. This can include taking time off for self-care, participating in physical activities, and engaging in hobbies and social activities. By creating a culture that values employee wellness, organisations can support HR personnel in their recovery from burnout and promote a positive work environment.

A Call to Action

As a corporate wellness company, we at The Wellness Tribe know all too well the toll that mass layoffs and HR burnout can take on organisations. But we also know that there is hope. By prioritising HR well-being and implementing strategies to reduce stress, organisations can support their HR personnel and maintain their productivity during trying times.

We believe that it is time for organisations to take action and invest in the health and well-being of their HR staff. By doing so, they can create a positive work environment and set their HR personnel on the path to recovery.

To summarise, here are some tips for protecting HR well-being and preventing burnout in the boardroom:

Provide HR personnel with support and resources to manage stress.
Foster open communication and transparency to build resilient teams.
Invest in professional development opportunities to boost confidence and resilience.
Promote a healthy work-life balance to counteract the negative effects of burnout.
Finally, take a comprehensive approach to HR wellness by implementing a culture that values employee health and wellbeing.

In conclusion, it's time to take action and prioritise HR well-being. By doing so, organisations can support their HR personnel and promote a positive work environment. So join us at The Wellness Tribe in the call to action to prevent burnout in the boardroom. Together, we can make a difference.

Top Trending

Unlocking Employee Wellness Through Purpose and Fulfillment

Transforming Office Spaces with Zen Gardens: The Ultimate Stress-Buster for Modern Workplaces

Study Reveals: Purpose Might Be the Key to a Sharper, Healthier Brain

78 Years of Progress: From Chai Breaks to Corporate Wellness

Discover the latest talent trends and discover where 'Flexible Working' stands today. Is this popular work style on the verge of extinction or here to stay?

^Employers who have grown accustomed to flexible employment arrangements may soon face an unpleasant surprise.

On LinkedIn's behalf, a study by YouGov surveyed nearly 3,000 executives from organizations with at least 1,000 employees and at least £250 million in revenue ($288.5 million).

According to these statistics, remote job postings are declining. In India, for example, the number of remote job postings decreased by five percentage points since April, when they peaked at 20% of all job postings.

While this is still a good deal higher than pre-pandemic averages of 2%, it is still a stark contrast to what workers would like to see.

"Flexibility is an essential component of a successful work environment, enabling employees to find a balance between their professional and personal lives." - Stuart W. Crabb

Workplace flexibility is ranked as one of the most important objectives for workers after remuneration, alongside work-life balance, skills development, and compensation.

Even though the number of jobs requiring remote work has decreased in the United States, these advertisements still garner more than half of all applicants as of September.

Data shows that remote employment accounts for 14.6% of employment possibilities globally but receives 20.2% of application submissions. The number of remote jobs in India is 11.3%, while the number of resumes is 20.3%.

Remote Job Posts vs. Applications, September 2022

Talent Trends - Has 'Flexible Working' come to an end? — **Source: LinkedIn Global Talent Report**

Why are businesses cutting back?

LinkedIn polled its users about remote employment options and found that the trend towards remote employment was correlated with the current economic environment.

As part of a survey of executives, they were asked if the Coronavirus outbreak would force their companies to adopt more flexible working practices. In response to this question, more than 68% of executives said yes.

The current economic uncertainty has resulted in corporations in all parts of the world freezing their recruitment efforts. As a result, business leaders are under tremendous pressure to reduce costs and increase efficiency to pursue these goals.

‍Trends in workforce confidence

In the absence of an epidemic leading to a move toward flexible working and corporate wellness programs to help workers, the balance of power is now in the hands of employers.

This report also found that the current economic uncertainty adversely affects other employee benefits. In other words, 70% of CEOs agreed that skill development might need to be emphasized less in the future, and 75% said that employee well-being would likely receive less attention.

The survival of businesses depends on their ability to adapt to changing conditions. Some companies might think they can save money by reducing benefits like flexible scheduling, but they could suffer long-term consequences.

In companies that lag behind in adopting flexible and remote working, employees risk becoming demotivated and leaving for rivals who offer more attractive options. In order to survive, businesses will have to be more adaptable.

Businesses are beginning to offer a broader range of perks as a way to keep and attract workers—many still recovering from the Great Resignation. There have even been some employers who have adopted a four-day workweek.

We at TheWellnessTribe believe that businesses must be able to adapt and be flexible in order to succeed in the future.

In the long run, the winners will be those who recognize this as an opportunity, adapt and iterate, and explore new working methods.

The Surprising Power of Aiming a Little Lower at Work

^In today's fast-paced corporate world, the spotlight often shines on one metric: productivity. We're often lauded for our capacity to churn out work, with the mythical 100% productivity level dangling in front of us like a golden carrot.

But let's pause and rethink. What if, in this relentless quest for absolute perfection, we're missing the mark? What if the real secret to a productive and balanced work-life isn't in pushing ourselves to the absolute brink, but in aiming for a more sustainable 85%?

This might sound counterintuitive in a world obsessed with maxing out potential, but diving deeper, we might just find that this 85% approach is the missing piece in our modern work puzzle.

The Trap of 100% Productivity

The allure of 100% productivity is strong. We're conditioned to believe that it’s the gold standard of efficiency. Yet, diving deep, we find it's more of a trap.

Employees pushing relentlessly for this elusive 100% often find themselves on the brink of exhaustion. Imagine running a marathon at sprint speed - unsustainable and unhealthy. The cost? Burnouts, decreased mental well-being, and ironically, a dip in true productivity.

Take Sarah, a graphic designer at a top-tier firm. Chasing perfection, she worked late nights, skipped meals, and even sacrificed weekends. But her relentless chase led to chronic fatigue and, eventually, a two-month medical leave.

The Sweet Spot

Enter the game-changing perspective of business author Greg McKeown. He suggests 85% as the sweet spot of productivity. It’s not about doing less but doing sustainably.

At 85%, employees can maintain consistency, quality, and enthusiasm without burning the candle at both ends. It encourages a culture where work is essential, but so is well-being. It’s about giving your best, most days, without the overwhelming pressure of perfection.

The Science Behind 85%

When we talk about productivity, it's often cloaked in terms of output and deadlines. But there's a whole layer of science, both psychological and physiological, that underpins our capacity to work effectively. Let's dissect this.

The Physiology

Firstly, let's address the body. Steve Magness, an exercise physiologist, sheds light on the concept of "overtraining" in athletes. Just as athletes can't constantly push their bodies to the max without risking injury, employees can't constantly push their minds to the brink without detrimental effects.

Our brains, like muscles, require periods of rest to recover and regenerate. When we consistently operate at 100%, we're essentially in a state of chronic "mental overtraining", which can lead to burnout, decreased cognitive function, and even mental health issues.

The Psychological Perspective

Now, on to the psychology of it. Aiming for 100% productivity can inadvertently set us up for a binary perspective: perfection or failure. This doesn't leave room for the gray areas of learning, growth, and innovation, which often happen when we're allowed to make mistakes and iterate.

Psychologists have long championed the importance of a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn rather than as threats. By setting a productivity goal of 85%, we mentally allow ourselves that buffer to experiment, fail, learn, and ultimately grow.

The Neuroscience Angle

Lastly, neuroscience offers another perspective. Our brain operates in cycles, with periods of high alertness followed by periods of rest. These are called ultradian rhythms.

Typically, after 90 minutes of intensive work, our brain signals a need for a 20-minute break. Pushing beyond this natural cycle by aiming for constant 100% productivity can lead to diminishing returns in focus and output.

How to Implement the 85% Rule in Your Workplace

Incorporating the 85% rule into your workplace isn't just about changing a number on a performance sheet. It's about embracing a new philosophy of work, one that values sustainability, well-being, and holistic growth. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this shift:

1. Begin with Awareness

Before diving into changes, initiate a dialogue. Host workshops or seminars that shed light on the science and philosophy behind the 85% rule. Employees are more likely to embrace a change when they understand its rationale and potential benefits.

2. Set Realistic, Compassionate Goals

Rethink target setting. While it's essential to maintain ambition, ensure that your goals are both challenging and achievable. Instead of pushing teams to their limits every single time, offer them a spectrum of targets that prioritize quality over sheer quantity.

3. Foster a Culture of Well-being

Move away from the "all work and no play" mindset. Introduce wellness programs that cater to both physical and mental health. This could range from meditation sessions, and ergonomic workshops, to even short breaks for relaxation. Remember, a well-rested employee is a more productive one.

4. Promote Open Communication

Create safe spaces for employees to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and offer feedback. Whether through regular check-ins, town hall meetings, or anonymous feedback systems, ensure that there's a two-way communication channel.

5. Rethink Assessment Metrics

Shift the focus from purely quantitative outputs to more qualitative ones. This might mean valuing creativity, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as much as, if not more than, sheer output.

In a world that often glorifies the hustle, the 85% rule offers a refreshing, sustainable, and, ironically, more productive alternative. Implementing it requires intention, effort, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of your team. But the rewards, both in terms of output and employee happiness, make it well worth the effort.

Conclusion

The quest for 100% productivity is a mirage. It promises an oasis but often leads to a desert of burnout and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, 85% is not just a number but a philosophy - one that champions sustainable effort, well-being, and a holistic approach to work.

Companies and employees alike stand to benefit immensely. It's high time we redefine success, not by the relentless grind but by the balanced, joyful, and sustainable journey. So, here's a challenge: Aim for 85% and watch both happiness and productivity soar.