Organizations in Transition

Maintaining Productivity During Periods of Loss and Change

Organizations, particularly in our current  economic climate are facing periods of dramatic transition and change. The impact on employees is far reaching yet often overlooked. We don’t often think in terms of loss and grief within a business context but they impact the bottom line in a myriad of ways.

In times of strategic reorganization, outsourcing, or the close of a business there can be a profound emotional impact on the people within the organizations. Standard practice is to offer “outplacement services” to those who are leaving the organization, but what about those who are left behind? How do they move on as if nothing has happened? How do we help to optimize productivity by providing a space for those who grieve the loss of colleagues, managers and perhaps even an organization that they dedicated years of service to?

Loss can also occur as a result of workplace trauma such as accidents and death of colleagues. A reality not often considered is that people who are grieving cannot leave their grief at the door of the business. As a result of their circumstance the quality and quantity of their positive impact may be dramatically reduced. It then makes sense that it would be in the best interests of all to create an environment of understanding of loss and grief and provide Managers insight and skill sets related to supporting these times of upheaval and change.