The Most Emotionally Draining Experience I’ve Ever Had
Never has that cliched business mantra, “It’s About the People,” hit closer to home for me than when I had to look in the eyes of those I was letting go. Failure is what I felt — not their failure, but mine.
I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I had no idea how hard it would be. Sitting alongside the HR manager and the department manager, along with each person’s direct supervisor, and seeing the full gamut of human emotions in the outgoing employees was, by far, the most emotionally draining experience I’ve ever had. From quiet resignation to tears, angry words, fear, and even some high fives as the outgoing employees lifted us up. I gave and received 16 hugs out of 17 people, which helped more than it hurt. As for the one who was too hurt/scared/mad, a call to her father hopefully let her know we cared and that it truly wasn’t personal.
For the entire article go to Inc.com
Corra sympathizes with any business that has to lay people off. Or simply fire them. It is a tough play, even on a good day. It is a time when all the emotions converge and you have to remain strong while the one getting fired may break down in front of you. Or scream epithets about how unfair it all is.
It’s specially tough to let people go when a downsizing forces the action. And sometimes it is just some obnoxious under performing jerk weed who will garner only the looks of satisfaction and jubilation when they are finally out the door. Sometimes the relief is not just yours, that you fired the fool, but a collective sense of relief and rejuvenation from your entire work staff.
When it is a downsizing, chances are you are not ready to hire someone else. But when you are letting them go for lack of merit, often you have to hire someone else. You don’t want to make another mistake with a new hire. No, that would be far too painful.
That is when you want a good interview process in place and a preemployment screening program. You definitely want to conduct a social security trace and criminal background report. If they are working in your financial area or have access to sensitive databases, it is always wise to run a credit report. In the long and short run they will save you money in terms of rehires and possible litigation.
Check them out before you hire.
