Lay-offs:

It's trending that many companies to survive the recession are planning for layoffs, that too on a massive scale. But one fails to understand the impact on the morale of an employee and the negative impact it creates on society. The decision to lay off is to be seriously concerned before implementation. There are several options or remedies to avoid such drastic steps. The values of the workplace have to be procured. A forecast of actions to some extent is needed such as the expansion of too many outlets, over-hiring, poor planning and administration, greed exceeding the limits, craving to be the richest and powerful, surviving on the rich list, etc.

• What is layoff?

Lay-off is a period of agitation and frustration. Be it temporary or permanent, Layoff is the termination of employment by an employer unrelated to the employee's performance. In simple terms, it involves the reduction of employees in a workforce. It's a cost-cutting measure.

• Do you know?

On 8th December 2022, The Employment ministry clarified that massive layoffs are illegal if the process of terminations doesn't fall under provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947. The Central and State governments can take action for this redundancy.

Psychological impacts of being laid off:

1. It can produce a lot of permanent professional and personal problems.
2. There is a risk of a resume gap which means you may lay vacant or out of work for six months or more as you cannot find a new job sooner.
3. Finances can support this.
4. There are a host of emotional problems.
5. Anger and a sense of being betrayed by a former employer occupy your mind.
6. Getting embarrassed with your neighbourhood, friends, and society.
7. Financial crises can make you more depressed and anxious.
8. Overeating, sleeping too much, stopping workouts, stopping contact with others, and shying away from others can lead to drastic results.
9. Anger can lead to alcohol, drugs, substance abuse, violence, mental agony, and harmful abuse of yourself or others.
10. Difficult to explain to the future employer why you were to be let go by the previous employer.
11. Feelings of grief and loss.
12. Disturbances in the family.
13. Fear of loss of respect.
14. There is a loss of enjoyment or vacation.
15. Feeling of worthlessness or loss of self-esteem.
16. Feeling of shame.
17. Uncertainty, chaos, or loss of trust
18. Ideas of hard work or innovation/inputs are at stake.
19. For a man, the job is a sign of dignity or a gateway to marriage. For a girl, a job is a sign of independence and standing up for yourself. But these layoffs cause turbulence in marital life as well as an independent free life.
20. Anxiety, shock, and denial persist throughout life and at times can lead to depression.
21. Misuse of power, subordination, enjoying the pain of others, scorning, domination, and manipulation by the employer can all be unhealthy practices.
22. The tendency to degrade our own self-worth and intelligence may prove harmful.
23. Shifting of place or home is a painful stress.

How to cope with the lay-off stress:

1. Self-care: Take care of your body by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and having sound sleep.
2. Take care of your mind:
   a) Do everything that makes you feel good.
   b) Be compassionate with yourself.
   c) Trust, meditation, and prayer keep you calm.
   d) Keep your positive attitude about yourself always alive.
   e) Have a positive mental attitude about situations and people.
   f) Maintain a hopeful outlook.
   g) Be cheerful to understand that some situations are not always in our control.
   h) Balance your emotional stress with good relationships.
3. Write: Sometimes writing helps a lot such as a diary, journal, letter, or email that keeps your thoughts happy.
4. Read: to reduce your screen time. Read books on knowledge, skills, and innovation to better yourself. Magazines or good journals or even storybooks help change the mood. You can even learn music, dance, paint, or anything that interests you.
5. Learn to accept reality.
6. Talk to others and stay connected with good encouraging people.
7. Don't fret over your value.
8. Stay active.
9. Channelise your skills and talent in new learning and time to accomplish your dreams or goals.
10. Apply 'defensive pessimism' skills.
11. Cut off expenditures.
12. Rediscover yourself and your passions.
13. Explore opportunities.
14. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol, drugs, sleeping throughout, displacing anger on someone or something, etc.
15. Look for the next option with the same zeal and enthusiasm.
16. Balance quality of life.
17. Handle difficult emotions without any judgment.
18. Focus on progress and keep motivating yourself.
19. Enjoy travels and nature walks.
20. Be calm in all situations.
21. Nothing to shy away from a new employer. Be confident, honest, and positive to prove your potential.

Remember...

Enter each day with great vitality, hope, and renewal. Let go off the old stories, and create something new. Never ever doubt yourself...

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References:

• https//tribune.com.pk
• https//www.geekwire.com