Layoffs seem to be a regular part of our world these days.
I am sure there are many of you that could add to this list, please do. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14
5. If available within your church or community, offer people help in resume writing and interviewing skills. Offer them budget counseling. Help them with networking. Let it be said that our compassionate response included practical help - not just good wishes. Someone put it this way, "A layoff will be a defining moment for someone. We need to let this moment be defined by grace in the same way we'd show grace to anyone who showed up at our door and was going through a life altering episode."
6. Write them a recommendation before they ask for it. Of course, offer to make it specific in the future but this will serve as an encouragement as well as help in finding another position.
7. Consider including equipment the person used in their ministry as part of their severance package. Equipment like a laptop, software or instruments may help the person to be self-employed for awhile or in pursuing a new job. If this isn't possible, consider selling the person the gear at a discounted price.
8. Choose carefully what practice you incorporate from the workplace. For example, what purpose does it serve to have the person clean out their desk/office & leave immediately after hearing the news? Give the person time to leave well. Give their team members time to say "thank you" for serving and good-bye. A quick exit often communicates wrong doing.
9. Make time to honor & celebrate team members & their contributions. (See Nancy's post from a few days ago about this topic.)
10. Keep your remaining team informed about what is happening. Let them know about restructuring plans and progress. Inform them about cost cutting measures & include their ideas. Give your team words to explain what is happening - I am not suggesting spin. I am encouraging you to make sure your team knows how to answer questions. In the absence of information, people will come up with something.