Retrenchment is happening quite often, especially with the global recession caused by Covid-19. Who likes to be retrenched? Who likes to retrench workers? To have to carry out a retrenchment exercise means that a business is facing an extremely difficult situation that requires it to cut its costs significantly. If you are a worker in such a company, how should your respond to such a situation?
I was disappointed that a career consulting business actually recommended that workers in such situations deliberately make their employers feel bad so that they can negotiate a better lay-off package. He also recommended that they make copies of their work and contacts so that they can bring these to their new employers (see article below). I really wonder how such a posture will help in either the employee or employer? I was wondering whether I would hire employees who left their previous company in such a manner?
On the other hand, consisder this other example of an employee (article below) who was retrenched when he was in his 50s. His attitude was one of “when you can’t change the direction of the wind, adjust your sails”. He accepted the reality of his retrenchment and adapted to the changing work environments. Indeed, he finally found a job where his positive attitude was appreciated. I think such spirit should be celebrated and encouraged.
