In recent months, large global companies have made thousands of redundancies. This includes Twitter, Warner Bros, Meta, and Stripe. Creating what’s called the ‘Great Global Redundancy’. Many employees feel stressed and overwhelmed by the sudden changes in their lives. In addition to feelings of workplace survivor syndrome.
Because of the Great Global Redundancy, employees have abruptly been restricted access to company computers and work systems. With new owner Elon Musk beginning his cull of the company’s workforce. Twitter’s head of safety and integrity appeared to confirm reports that 50% of the company’s global workforce of 7,500 was cut due to $4m a day lost in revenue.
Job losses emotionally, psychologically, and organisationally impact those remaining in the company. Workplace survivor syndrome is seen by experts as the consequence of downsizing and restructuring. It denotes repercussions faced by those who ‘survive’ the redundancy program. Many studies show that those left behind can find it difficult. They display an increase in alcohol consumption, smoking and workplace injury. Other studies show an effect on mental health, with reports of depression, poor morale, and reduction in productivity.
Symptoms Caused by The Great Global Redundancy
According to a report by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), the range of adverse effects that an individual with workplace survivor syndrome experiences would include:
– Lower morale and motivation
– A sense of guilt for surviving
– Fear of losing your own job and apprehension about the future
– Grieving the loss of former colleagues
– Anger at the redundancy process
Employees can be either frozen or anxious, and because they become overwhelmed with the fear that they may be next, they become less productive. Employees may lose their commitment to the organisation, leading them to work long hours without motivation to produce good work. Some employees may perceive themselves as more valued by the company than those who have been let go. Reinforcing beliefs that fewer colleagues lead to less competition. However, fear and resentment towards the company can arise when employees are overloaded with work from previous staff who are no longer with the company.
Many workers who are worried and uncertain about their future can panic after layoffs, leading them to look for other jobs. Research shows that the effect of a longer-term feeling of vulnerability for workers can be worse psychologically than for those who were let go. Approximately one-third of employees experienced guilt for retaining their job. Bringing up a deep sense of guilt with some employees wondering why their job was spared. Employees may lose trust in their business or upper management. This confusion can lead them to feel apprehensive about the company and the person taking over the new role. Finally resulting in feeling the need for more direction and security from their management organisation.
How Can Wellity Global Support You?
Wellity are here to support you and your organisation during the Great Global Redundancy. Our training titles are designed to help attendees remain resilient and will equip you with tools to cope with stress, anxiety and positively lead through change.
– Coping with Change
– Resilience – The power of Grit
– Leading Through Change
– Understanding Survivor Guilt
For more information on how to support your teams and organisations throughout this difficult time, contact our Wellity team at hello@wellityglobal.com
