Workers Left Behind More Stressed Than Those Laid Off?
I came across an article this morning that really hit home. It was a piece in TIME magazine and can currently be found at this link if you’d like to read it, h t t p://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1883614,00.html?cnn=yes
Basically, a study was done in Europe where it was found that those who had lost their job, pretty much hit “rock bottom” after about 6 months. From there, the outlook improved.
On the other hand, those still working had to endure the stress and uncertanty of what lies ahead for as long as they stay employed.
So the question…which is worse? It’s kind-of a “slippery slope”. It would be hard for someone to sit there and say, “well I don’t want the stress of not knowing…so I would rather be laid off”. Most of us have grown accustomed to the income we have, and to wish for that to be “gone” would probably not be in your best interest.
But on the other hand, I know many people who got laid off and while it was disturbing at first, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them! Many went on to start their own businesses or found employment with a company the liked much better.
I think the big thing is that we have to find some way to tell ourselves…whatever happens is going to happen. You can work your butt off and someone 3 levels up from you in your company can end your employment no matter how hard you work. (But I’ve seen some of them get the ax the same way…so don’t feel too bad 
)
I believe that now more than ever, good companies should be keeping the lines of communication open with their employees. This is a time when a good company will pull their people together and do things to build and instill confidence. Openly squash rumors as soon as they surface if those rumors are untrue.
For employees…I think that you should always have some sort of backup plan. Be thinking about what you would do if you did lose your job? How would you cope? Where would you go in search of employment next?
And this is a time to put some money back so that if something does happen to your job, it doesn’t force you to lose your home. It’s a good time to sacrifice a little so you don’t have to be so stressed if something should happen.
I would love to hear your thoughts…I could ramble for hours! 
Please feel free to leave me a comment.
Have a good day!
Chris
