How to move on after a layoff: the “humanized” dismissal trend

“Going through a layoff is brutal, it certainly affects emotional health and has consequences, especially when it is abrupt and especially if the person fired is just starting out in the job market. Because this search for a job is very exhausting, the processes are difficult and long in most companies”, analyzes psychoanalyst Liliane Toledo, PhD in social work psychology.

“Being fired can be a devastating process for some individuals, due to what we call the psychological contract”, says the psychoanalyst. Breaking this contract, combined with the pressure for engagement and resilience in the workplace, can significantly affect the employee's mental health.

Dismissal requires personal reorganization and the preparation of a professional mourning period, explains the specialist. Liliane highlights the importance of not demanding a quick recovery, as time is needed to breathe, reorganize and deal with the emotional and financial dimensions involved.

The controversial “humanized dismissal”

The trend towards “humanized dismissal” arises as a response to the pasteurization of people management practices, assesses the psychoanalyst. “The dismissal must be carried out individually, preferably with the presence of an HR representative, in a personal and face-to-face approach. Before dismissal, except in cases of cost cutting, it is essential that the employee receives signals and feedback about their performance, allowing them to prepare for the transition and seek new opportunities aligned with their profile. Organizations must consider the emotional consequences for both those who leave and those who remain”, points out Liliane.

A recent post on LinkedIn went viral and generated a lot of controversy. There was a photo of a basket of “treats” given to an employee when he was fired, and a message of pride for the “healthy dismissal”. The author deleted the post but the controversy continued to engulf people and it became a joke.

The practice of offering gifts such as chocolates, balloons and thank you baskets upon dismissal is questionada regarding its effectiveness and respect for the dismissed person. According to psychoanalyst Liliane Toledo, if the company already has the habit of offering gifts at other times, this may even be accepted.

However, it is important questionar whether these demonstrations match the context of the dismissal. Instead, the psychoanalyst suggests that, initially, the company asks the worker what types of support can help them in this transition, such as an extension of the health plan, refresher courses or help with relocation to the job market.

Some practices, however, are much “healthier” and have stood out, such as hiring consultants to help laid-off professionals improve their LinkedIn profile.

“It is even possible for former managers to recommend the former employee for compatible vacancies on LinkedIn itself”, recalls Liliane. “I heard about a company that made a cut – for financial reasons – and shared a list of laid-off employees with competitors, aiming to facilitate the relocation of these professionals.”

What do I do to get over being fired?

For younger people, the essential tip is to give time to assimilate the loss, experience “grief” and not take everything personally.

“It's important to do a self-analysis about your relationship at work and not get carried away by ideas like 'I'm worthless' and 'I'm not going to get a new job', which are quite common”, advises Liliane.

Psychoanalysis emphasizes the importance of reevaluating performance, focusing on what is under your control and looking for points where you can improve, based on feedback and your own awareness of your role.

Expanding friendships and seeking support outside of the work environment is also crucial to dealing with the pain of losing a job. Resignation can be an opportunity for learning and personal growth.

@curtonews

Are boxes of chocolates, incentive cards and letters of recommendation efficient? Find out more about the “humanized dismissal” trend. 😬

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