One of our local employers was on the front page of the Monadnock Ledger last week regarding a $400,000 settlement with OSHA for worker safety violations. Ouch! They not only have to pay the fines, but they also must take corrective actions & improve the safety of their workplaces for all of their employees. They have agreed to get a full time safety &...
The Health Effects of Downsizing
Submitted by Health Forum on Mon 12/5/11 12:03 pm
Many companies have been downsizing during these rough economic times. Downsizing has adverse health affects on both those who leave the company and those who stay. For those who stay, their health can be compromised because of:
- Guilt over having to ask someone else to pack up their desk and leave.
- Worry that they may be next in line for dismissal.
- Fear of retribution from those who have been let go.
- Stress over the extra work caused by a streamlined staff.
- Lack of attention (particularly dangerous in construction or manufacturing situations) as they begin their own job search and deal with the stress, fear and worry.
A company can also aggravate those feelings, for example, by claiming that all those who were fired deserved it (they were "underperformers"); by claiming that it is entirely in the survivors' hands whether they are kept on; or by refusing to recognize the hazards of anger, overwork, frustration and divided attention.
What is your company doing to reduce the health effects of downsizing?
For more conversations about health, see the Harvard Pilgrim LinkedIn group, Let's Talk Health Care.
Harvard Pilgrim is compensating the author for participating in the Let's Talk Health Care program but the opinions expressed are the author's own.