Downsizing Your Team

Team Building Question:

Our office has recently learned that about 20 percent of our staff will lose their jobs over the next two months due to a relocation set by our headquarters. Some open positions in my area were sent to those who lose their jobs. The morale in the workplace is really low right now, we have more to do with some disciplinary problems. I would be very open to any suggestions on how to make this a smooth transition and boost morale.

The Doc team says:

There is very little you can do to control how people feel about this situation. And the survivors will probably feel worse.

That said, there may be legal issues that must remain quiet, but now it's time for communication as much as possible. Even if the answer is "not know" or "For legal reasons I can not tell you." Have regular get togethers with the team to talk about what is happening.

You will be able to tell if you communicate enough listening to the noise level in your company. The mill is really loud voice or just a soft murmur? The strongest rumors, the more you need to communicate to calm down.