On Wed, Feb 4, 2009 at 1:45 PM, Grevin, Fred <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Another thought: if your budget can stand it, buy each person you are laying
> off the book "What Color Is Your Parachute?", by Richard Bolles ($9.95 at
> Barnes and Noble).
> It's not just about finding a job--it's about feeling good about yourself as
> you look.

While that again sounds like a good idea, it is still a little
insulting. "And now for some lovely parting gifts."

What would be nice is if you can refer them to a job counselor as part
of their out-processing. That would be the appropriate person to give
them any reference materials.

I agree with letting them download contacts and e-mails. Some HR
policies prevent people from accessing their computer system once they
get the word that they are laid off so again, check and make sure you
can allow them to do that.

From my own personal experience, museums have been less than
professional about laying me off. One supervisor didn't schedule me
for a month and then told me by e-mail. It was only a part-time job so
I did pursue a complaint but I thought that was a little low.

That happened again with another part-time job at a house museum. Just
tell me straight out already. It's really unprofessional to just blow
people off when have to lay them off.

From being laid off from 1 small business and 2 other large companies
(being a contractor is the pits sometimes), those were handled a lot
better and far more professional than the museum lay-offs. The larger
companies had formal proceedures and a bunch of paperwork. In all 3
cases, work had gone to hell in a handbasket so it was kind of a
relief being laid off but then I was unemployed, which was a downer.

This would also be a good time to write a formal lay-off policy if
your organization doesn't have one. You might never have to use it
again but you never know.

Deb

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