More than half of employees report feeling less happy at work after seeing co-workers furloughed or laid off, according to Glint’s latest data insights report.
This month we scoured the 7 million pandemic response-related data points we’ve collected via employee surveys to look at (1) how remaining employees feel after their organization has gone through layoffs or furloughs; and (2) how employees feel about their job security.
One takeaway: Pandemic-related layoffs and furloughs have hit employees hard. In addition to feeling less happy at work, roughly half of employees also report their organization’s layoffs or furloughs have had a negative impact on both their workload and sense of belonging.
Overall happiness at work rose at the beginning of the pandemic, when organizations responded quickly to employees’ new needs. We’re now seeing employees’ happiness at work plateau or decline as the pandemic persists.
Leaders looking for a way forward after their organization has gone through layoffs or furloughs can lean on four core habits to support their employees.
“As a leader during and after layoffs, you can serve your people and your organization by seeking to understand how employees feel, and addressing their concerns in a way that is consistent with your company’s culture and values,” writes Glint Head of People Science Justin Black. “In turn, that understanding will help you develop and communicate renewed focus and inspiration for the future.”
Employee sentiment on job security wavering
Since the pandemic’s onset, employees expressed the highest level of concern for their job security in May. Their nerves have since calmed, with negative employee sentiment of job security dropping in June and July. But employees’ confidence in their job security has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
We’ve also seen a drop in employees’ interest in exploring career opportunities. Today nearly two out of three employees report they rarely consider looking for a new job, while more than 50% of employees had at least a passive eye on the job market before the pandemic.
To learn more about the findings, click the image below. Check out our resources on building the new world of work as you reimagine your organization’s future.
