Episode: 612

Episode Title: Transparency is the Best Policy

When the economy is uncertain, it’s crucial to be transparent rather than hush-hush. Here’s how this can help the workforce, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 612 show:

This is The Perna Syndicate—welcome! While some surprises are fun, nobody wants to lose their job unexpectedly. That’s why current employees have every right to address job security concerns with their managers if they’re fearful about a layoff. 

Not only should managers be expecting this, but they should be addressing it proactively. Transparency and communication have been vital all through the pandemic, and that’s not about to change now. 

Employers should be regularly communicating where the company stands in terms of financial performance, customer trends, and headcount plans—and yes, even the possibility of any layoffs. 

Often times, fear of the unknown is worse than the actual reality. Like a scary movie that doesn’t show the monsters, but instead lets your imagination fill in the blanks, leaving employees to imagine the worst is a poor way to keep them engaged. 

Instead, companies should talk about their plans should a recession come. Not only does this help set expectations, but it will increase employee confidence that leadership is thinking ahead and prepared. 

Employees should feel empowered to schedule a meeting with their manager to discuss their concerns and ask questions that are top of mind for them. Here, as in so many areas, transparency is the best policy.

Tomorrow: If you’re interviewing for a new job, you’re interviewing the company at the same time. On the next episode of The Perna Syndicate, we’ll cover the questions you want to ask about job security. Take care, and we’ll see you then!