Employees Feel Heavier Workload After Layoffs
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Employees Feel Heavier Workload After Layoffs
TORONTO, ON – May 12, 2010 – Seventy-nine percent of employees report that their workloads increased as a result of layoffs at their company, according to a survey by Right Management. As many as 57% believe workloads have grown “a lot.” Right Management is the talent and career management expert within ManpowerGroup, the global leader in employment services.
Right Management analyzed responses from more than 800 individuals throughout North America via an online poll conducted in partnership with LinkedIn®.
“Employees are likely feeling the pressure of more streamlined operations, increasing demands, and tighter competition,” said Dr. Henryk Krajewski, Vice President and National Practice Leader at Right Management in Canada.
Among key findings:
- Employee’s at large organizations are under the greatest pressure, with 68% saying their workloads have increased “a lot” compared to only 33% at small organizations.
- Younger vs. older workers are experiencing the greatest workload increases, with 60% of workers 25-34 reporting their workloads have increased “a lot” followed by 59% of those 18-24.
In terms of understanding the consequences of the results, Dr. Krajewski says, “…most employees, from all industries and company sizes, have been asked to step up and make a greater contribution. Without appropriate support from management, many will feel unprepared and ill equipped to handle more responsibility.”
Dr. Krajewski also advises that management must pay attention to the new realities. “Management must acknowledge increased workloads and commit to employee development and opportunity during tough times. For those who are being asked to step up, give them a sense of choice, and ownership in the direction moving forward to enhance satisfaction and commitment. It’s been shown pretty clearly that firms that commit to these types of initiatives will be in a much stronger competitive position as the market improves.”
Dr. Krajewski advises workers to stay flexible during times of change, as well as to ask questions and get the direction and guidance they need. At the same time, managers need to clarify expectations. “If the organization is operating in an environment where there isn’t any budget for additional resources, employees need to know up front. Don’t shy away from the reality. Be open and honest, but help to equip employees with the information and resources to manage their expanded responsibilities.”
Krajewski provides four tips to help employees handle increased workloads:
- Prioritize projects and tasks in alignment with your manager’s priorities.
- Clarify new expectations and your specific role in the organization’s success.
- Ask to develop new skills and capabilities
- Keep focused on business impact, evaluating all new responsibilities in the context of whether or not they will positively impact the business in the desired timeframe.
Any change that significantly impacts an employee’s workload needs to be carefully communicated, advises Krajewski. “Open communication will go a long way in ensuring all parties deliver on the new expectations. Expanded or new roles need to be outlined so employees know how they contribute to the success of the firm. Communication between managers and employees should be at heightened levels.”
Right Management surveyed 845 individuals via an online poll on LinkedIn® conducted between March 11 and March 30, 2010.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com/ca) is the talent and career management expert within ManpowerGroup, the global leader in employment services. Right Management helps clients win in the changing world of work by designing and executing workforce solutions that align talent strategy with business strategy. Our expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes. More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies are currently working with us to help them grow talent, reduce costs and accelerate performance.
Media Contact: Meredith Evans, National Marketing Manager, Right Management, 888-926.1324 Ext. 228