5 Steps You Can Take When Your Company Feeds You Sour Grapes

Companies love touting their award-winning “best place to work” culture of inclusivity and belonging, and also harp on having an open-door communication policy for their workforce. And in return, workers wooed by these promises expect consistent - and transparent - communication.

But in these uncertain times, layoffs have also reached pandemic numbers, often with little to no communication to the workforce. I would expect most people would say they absolutely did not expect to lose their jobs, but everyone should consider that they might be laid off given that many companies are not hitting financial goals. Diminished revenue is pretty easy to explain, but if companies aren’t plainly communicating that to their workforce, the leaders are either incompetent, uncaring or both.

If little to zero communication from the top leadership is creating anxiety for you, wondering if you’re next to receive a call or email from HR/ Talent to “Have a Conversation with X…” here are five steps you can take to protect yourself.

1. Stay off their "cut list." Get stuff done and shut your mouth. Be productive and useful. Anyone unproductive and useless usually get the first cut. Do not vocalize angst at work with anyone. Nobody is your friend! Be professional, flexible, and adaptable.
2. Make yourself indispensable. Ask everyone in your workspace, especially those in power, "How can I help you?" Offer to take projects off their plates. Just be sure you can do it without sacrificing your own work productivity (refer to #1) and well-being.
3. Look for another job. Are you willing to stay in a company that isn’t transparent in its communication? There are some companies still hiring during tough times. You should consider if it’s time for you to make a change in your career, location, etc. Don’t be afraid to “work” your network. Use social network sites, like LinkedIn, to contact others and take the temperature of their company’s business environment.
4. Review your personal financials now. What bills can you remove, reduce or even delay paying even if you keep your job? How long will your savings cover your monthly bills? If you company offers severance, does it normally also include health insurance premiums? Severance means no unemployment payments at the same time. Can you afford to retire early?
5. "Immunize" yourself from the cultural plague of anxiety and fear. How?

• Steer clear of negative nellies, gossipers, complainers, and anyone who just is lazy. You don’t want to be lumped into any of these groups. They are on the cut list (and should be).
• Surround yourself with positive people and vibes, which may include uplifting music or reading motivational books or simple quotes.
• Take care of YOU first. Go for a walk before work or during a break; immerse yourself in nature or comic books or whatever brings your peace and/or laughter.
• Control your chaos. Make a plan for the day, week or month. Checking off the "to do list" items can be quite gratifying and give you a sense of accomplishment. Even if the item is to put on pants, do what you can during these turbulent times!

Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady. Let me know how I can help you!