Survey shows employers must address redundancy aftermath

Seven out of ten employees told researchers that redundancies had damaged their morale; more than a fifth (22%) are so unhappy that they are determined to move jobs as soon as the market picks up; and more than half (51%) feel under greater pressure to perform well and prove their worth. Most (81%) believe senior managers need to work to restore or improve trust in leadership – they believe this can best be achieved by frequent and honest communication (53%), more meaningful consultation (35%) and giving employees greater say in the running of the workplace (30%). Ben Willmott (pictured), CIPD senior public policy adviser, said: ""The impact of redundancies on the dole queue is well documented. But there could be a nasty hangover for employers, too. Survivors of redundancy programmes left 'punch drunk' by the process may not have the levels of motivation and commitment needed for their employers to capitalise on any recovery. Many disillusioned employees will vote with their feet and leave as soon as the labour market picks up. "Our research highlights a fundamental lack of trust in senior management among many employees, largely due to the lack of meaningful consultation and effective communication during major change such as redundancy programmes and restructuring. If employers communicate clearly to staff over the challenges facing the business and involve them in the process of change management through effective consultation, employees are much more likely to understand the need for change and to remain motivated and committed to the organisation."