One of the biggest challenges employers must address in the wake of a layoff is keeping the surviving employees engaged and focused, according to a workplace survey.
The survey of human resources executives by outplacement adviser Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. found that 54 percent consider employee-engagement the biggest challenge that companies face after job-cut announcements.
The next biggest challenge, chosen by 23 percent of respondents, was easing anxiety over the possibility of additional layoffs.
Only 15 percent of survey respondents said ensuring that quality and quantity of output remained consistent, despite having few employees, was the primary challenge.
“Companies that focus on output will create a workforce that is motivated by fear of job loss instead of by loyalty and pride,” said CEO John A. Challenger. “That may work for the remainder of the downturn, but as soon as the recovery begins, the company will undoubtedly experience heavy turnover.
