Get advice on how to deal with jerks at work Check out the book 'Jerks At Work' and other titles by Ken Lloyd Ph.D. Return to the JerksAtWork.com homepage Learn more about Ken Lloyd, Ph.D. Submit a question to Ken Lloyd, Ph.D.
 

You asked, Ken answers ...

This item is filed under these categories:
Cost-Cutting Layoffs Communication Decision Making Working Conditions

Our company is under a stringent cost reduction program that includes layoffs, but in spite of this, some office areas are being redecorated. If the company is in such a financial pinch, why would they be doing this?



Employees are not typically delighted when their company lays off staff while it lays down new carpet. Regardless of the rationale, the employees are left with the impression that management views the work environment as being more important than the workers.

Nonetheless, companies may have fairly acceptable reasons for doing some redecorating, even during tough economic times. For example, there may be long-term contracts in place that call for the work to be done, or perhaps the work is needed to improve safety or productivity. Perhaps the redecorating project has already been dramatically reduced.

At the same time, it is also possible that the company is being shortsighted and insensitive, and is overlooking the fact that many firms implement across-the-board cuts during difficult times, with projects such as redecorating being deferred.

The real issue in your case is that management failed to provide the employees with adequate information regarding the redecorating program itself. In this era of open management, unilaterally introducing a redecorating program in the middle of layoffs may well cause many employees to redecorate their resumes.




Comment on this item

Your name (optional)
If you leave this blank, we'll list you as "Website visitor"


Your comments
Please keep your comments focused on the topic. Thanks!