Adam Canter’s Post

Continuing with the Layoffs...it has become an unfortunate corporate reality because of cost-cutting, rising inflation, an economic slowdown or over hiring. Layoffs put a significant emotional toll on employees who remain with the organization, not just those who are let go. The sudden departure of colleagues (often without warning) can lead to a range of emotions, including fear, grief, anxiety, insecurity, low morale, sadness, and survivor guilt, which result in disengagement and hinder job performance. These adverse effects of layoffs on employee wellbeing can lead to increased healthcare costs and absenteeism, and reduced productivity. Employees left behind may feel distrust and betrayal toward their organization. They may question the company’s loyalty and wonder if they could be next. This can erode the employer-employee relationship and impact long-term commitment, engagement, and performance, ultimately increasing costs associated with turnover, burnout, and missed opportunities. Layoffs lead to increased voluntary turnover also because of job insecurity. When layoffs occur, remaining employees often shoulder additional responsibilities. An immediate consequence of increased workload is the risk of employee burnout. Employees may struggle to cope with the added tasks and longer working hours, which can result in exhaustion, reduced productivity, and negative effects on their physical and mental health. - Source- Workhuman research and Gallup Studies

This article sums up some lessons I've learnt, which are worth sharing.

And how to proactively assert control over your professional destiny.

And how to proactively assert control over your professional destiny.

Finding Your Place After speaking with about 150 people (employed and unemployed) I feel the layoffs of 22-24 have created an epidemic of "what do I do next?" This is different than "I need a new job" and presents greater challenges for HR and leadership as people seek to remake themselves. This ties in somewhat with the fears around AI but the current trend appears more existential in nature for the mature workforce. Many thanks to Alex Menhams for introducing me to this amazing poem Sweet Darkness by David Whyte. This is dedicated to all those who are struggling to find their next place in their career. Explore ideas, keep looking and probing your mind. Clarity comes to those who work through their fears, insecurities and self-doubt. Our job is the footwork. The light arises when it is its time to do so. https://lnkd.in/gACvv-pc

This long weekend was a weekend away from technology, listening to Billy Joel's, John Denver, and others on a record player, walking some old memory lanes, and sharing with Nima the first time we heard these songs. We reminisced about everything from our parents' reactions to the feelings that coursed through our bodies. This weekend felt different, realizing that 7 weeks of 2024 are already behind us, with 45 more to go. It is a gentle nudge, urging us to live fully in each moment. Over the weekend, my thoughts also turned towards those affected by the recent layoffs at Toast. In today's uncertain economy, the prospect of job loss is daunting, and my heart goes out to everyone navigating these turbulent waters. As a leader, it prompts me to think deeply about what we can do to avoid such layoffs in the future. This cannot become the norm. Here's a great article that delves into this very topic: https://lnkd.in/gjuuFevn. It's a brand new day, and please reach out if I can help in any way. And, if you haven't yet, I highly recommend giving Billy Joel's new song a listen. It's a thought-provoking piece that raises questions and offers great inspiration (https://lnkd.in/ggsQfKTf). "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill May this message find you brimming with passion and positivity, ready to conquer the week ahead with a heart full of dreams and a spirit undeterred. #randomthoughts #hardtimes #layoffs

In this age of massive layoffs and unfair dismissals, do take note of these "people of interest" who are out there - Never ever give in to their bullying tactics. If they want you to, go thru the PIP process and prove them wrong. Make sure it is worth their trouble. https://lnkd.in/g2STedZt #leadership #techleadership #modernleadership #gaslighting

Check out this:

🎄 Join us in this brief snippet from our Holiday Episode of 🔑 'Cracking The Career Code' 🔐 . As the holidays draw near, Matthew Mulcahy and I aim to offer you ideas on leveraging your professional development to get ahead. 🎄 #careerdevelopment #professionaldevelopment #recruiting #techcommunity

The Intro to the Employment Service webinar takes place at 12pm today! You can join the Teams call here - tinyurl.com/mr2cfbzj #Employment #Webinar