How to Move Beyond Retrenchment
“Letting go is hard but it may be the release that is needed to soar to greater heights.”
0:00
/
0:00
How to move beyond retrenchment
Retrenchment is one of the toughest leadership decisions you will face. For this reason, it’s vital to prepare well, get it done and quickly reset your mind to recreating a positive future.
It’s vital to get the technical components of retrenchment right. This is an area that the CCMA is very strict about, and following correct processes and procedures is really essential. More than that, a well-managed and transparent process will help ensure that your staff feel respected and included in the process.
Open communication is vital. Providing honest and informative information on the why, when and how the retrenchment process will unfold, will reduce the likelihood of frustration or angry backlash. However, be sure that your facts are correct, and that you follow the due process of the law.
Be aware that whilst you may only be retrenching one or two people, retrenchment affects everyone. You the leader, the staff that are exiting, and all the staff who remain. Poorly handled, retrenchment can result in a loss of your remaining staff who can feel unsettled by the process and the sense of insecurity. In the worst case your most employable people may start looking for another job, further impacting your business sustainability. To minimise this possibility, speak to your key people to calm their fears and help them understand why you are retrenching and how you plan to manage company recovery and rebuild the future.
Forgive yourself for any sense of failure. You have taken the tough and painful decision to act. This courageous action will save the company, the remaining and future jobs. You may also have released some people to rise to greater heights elsewhere – the universe often works like that.
Be sure to use the CCMA guidelines, and reach out to your mentor or Mentor Hotline for support.
Now breathe a moment and reset your vision to the future. Take courage from your willingness to act and put all your energy into the positive focus of your next steps. Revisit your vision statement, polish up your passion for the business and step forward into the next stage of business growth!
Have a good week – stay strong and stay in touch!
Kind regards
Catherine
You can find out more here: https://www.labourguide.co.za/retrenchment/735-whats-the-right-retrenchment-procedure and https://www.legalwise.co.za/help-yourself/quicklaw-guides/retrenchment
