The economy is in rough shape as most people know. However, I give credit to the Business Journal for attempting to spin a good story out of this hot mess. Here is the headline: Challenger report: June job cuts hit 13-month low Sounds positive and they lead off with this info: Nationally, the country’s employers announced plans to slash 37,551 jobs in June, down 39 percent from May, which marks a 13-month low for planned cuts, according to a new report from human resources consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. Ah, but the truth often lies in the later paragraphs: Still, halfway through 2012, there have been a total of… Read More
Continue ReadingElectronic Layoff
The news stories are flowing about layoffs, downsizing and closing in this brutal economy. One such story from abcnews.com shares stories from readers regarding extreme situations for being let go. This one was amusing: After a traditional face to face layoff session, my company tried a new kinder gentler approach. They called a big meeting and announced that every employee had e-mail back on their computer that would tell them if they still had a job. I didn’t! I’ve been let go during layoffs before and there isn’t any easy way to do it. However, it seems to me that if your communication strategy is to use some form of… Read More
Continue ReadingGaps In Agility
Cuts, layoffs, workforce reductions…the stories are everywhere in the media today as this economy takes it’s toll on business. Clearly it appears that more cuts are underway in March and will be reflected in the next labor statistics report. This approach is needed during a recession so no company can be blamed for taking this drastic move. But how far should companies cut? There are no easy answers to that question, but I think there is a general principle companies should follow. Reduce only enough to make your company agile in this marketplace while minimizing your gaps in performance. Here is an excerpt from last week’s Herman Trend Alert (sorry,… Read More
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