I found this post to be extremely interesting. Many of Knowledge Infusion customers are going through times right now where the balance between a down economy and the kind of talent to keep in the organization is extremely difficult. We all see the press releases on a daily basis detailing the layoffs. Bob Sutton has done a great job in a post detailing some of the euphamisms for layoffs. A few of my favorites (if you can call them that):
- Adjusting to shifts in demand
- Rationalizing
- Rebalancing the level of human capital
All kidding aside, our feelings go out to all of the amazing talent that is caught up in this economic downturn. Most organizations do not have any idea of the talent they are losing and will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage as the economy returns and you are all working elsewhere. For organizations that have not invested in talent management solutions to help know even what talent they have before they get rid of it, what have you been doing. The need for agility will continue and it is time to begin measuring people like the less important assets in your organization.
What are some of the classic phrases you are hearing these layoffs called?
Link to Bob's post - thanks Bob for great one
Another infusion of knowledge...
I didn't see "Development Opportunity" on Bob's list. We many not be doing the same work or workload tomorrow that we have today. If the DOL is saying that we will have 10-14 jobs by our 38th birthday that doesn't have to mean 10-14 different employers. If you have the talent in your organizations ask them what they want to do to contribute to the organization and let them do it. The worst that could happen is they fail in their endeavor and you let them go, which is what you were going to do anyway. But even if one of those ideas succeeds how much better will the company be?