Redundancy an Evil Co-existing in the Corporate World

(From an Employee’s Perspective)

Are you familiar with this word called “REDUNDANT?”

I know it is one of the common words in the corporates now – it’s a stage of employment where your services are not required by the organization mainly out of two reasons:

• Either the position is not required in the organization due to following sub-reasons :

1. Job doesn’t need to be done by anyone
2. Restructuring of the organization
3. Introduction of a new technology
4. Outsourcing of the department or followed in agreement of consultation services
5. Relocates to some other state or overseas

• Due to Insolvency or Bankrupt.

The other day I was scrolling through the various posts on LINKEDIN and a found a woman being redundant after 10 long years of service to the organization she was serving. Really a sad moment but I found she was optimistic enough to write it through and moreover took it as a challenge to find some other fruitful opportunity for her.

All of us cannot be like the brave lady above, and it is extremely difficult to survive in such situations of disparity. Losing anything can be shattering and when it come to a job is something called HIGH STATE OF DEVASTATION.

This article dwells in and around the situations of “Redundancy” and your preparations to cope with such stage of distress.

1. Do not Panic and Be Confident: 

Panic is a byproduct of such shocks if it suddenly hits you. Keeping your calm and acting sensibly with confidence is the key to overcome mind boggling life examinations. It’s not your fault, it’s their loss, so never feel deprived or lose confidence. Relax, take deep breathes and get up and be ready for the next fight. 

2. Do not take things personally: 

Losings a job is stressful but never take it personally. It has been a common phenomenon throughout the world and remember it’s not about “YOU” but it was that position being made redundant. Never allow negative thoughts to prevail, it will only create a path of destructive mind. 

3. Be aware of your Rights and Claim them: 

Many people in such situations don’t focus on their rights rather than on feeling negative – Why Me? Or etc.

It’s the right time to go through your contract thoroughly and know your rights and claim them accordingly. If you are unable to understand the employment laws better consult some experienced person from the industry or a lawyer. 

Find out the following:

• Notice period clause – 30 days or 90 days,
• Is there any notice pay or redundancy pay,
• Accrued holiday pay and etc.

REMEMBER: You do have the right to appeal against your redundancy. If you feel that you were not properly treated, you have not been given adequate compensation, or you have been discriminated against in any way, shape or form, you can take your case to an employment tribunal to dispute the decision. 

4. Don’t agree anything Verbally : 

It is expected always to have redundancy meetings before such direct blows where the terms and conditions are discussed.  Always ask your employer to put things in written to avoid confusion and commitments clearly stated in records. 

5. Be energetic and Revive yourself : 

It is something which is really hard to face but invest your time more on the learning mode. This mode would not only provide higher energy to fight back also you will reform as a more matured professional and an individual. You find yourself a transformed one. “A Rejuvenated You” 

6. Plan your Finances:

Plan every bit of the money you receive as settlement from the company or the liquid monies you have for your survival in the next few days/ months till you join a new job. And if you are lucky enough to get a decent amount from your employer as redundancy pay and notice pay try to put them on short term deposits. Don be tempted to spend them on holidays or any other venture of luxury.

              Follow some money management tips:

• Prepare a budget with the money in hand – so that you aware of what would need you to survive and what can be used as security or emergency money.
• Cut down on the unnecessary expenses – like cancel the subscriptions, memberships, or maybe any such expenses which can be avoided for the time being.
• Try to build up a savings cushion while income is still coming in.
• Also try to find alternative ways of making money like some part time assignments or be a freelancer. 

7. Build your network and start looking for your next job: 

Once you are clear of the picture, starting spreading the word that you are looking for a job. Focus at spreading on your key strengths and honing the skills to a higher level for the recruiters to grab you. Look through different job boards, Social media and different groups.

Ask for support from your employer, yes it makes sense, though you may feel red & grumbling inside, who knows who can open doors for your next job.

Tap all your contacts and network to improve your chances of finding a new position. Update your CV and refresh your interview techniques.

Do not grab your 1^st Job offer if you are not assured of it to be the best the option.

But in this process do not exaggerate in the job search, this would kill your enthusiasm. 

8. Above all take good care of yourself, Be Optimistic:

During such a case the mind and body both gets exhausted. Take good care of yourself to face and fight such scenarios in life. Never fear to fail, keep trying till you get the best for yourself.

Try to take full 8 hours of sleep and do some exercises, take brisk walks in the morning, and last but the not least take proper meals throughout the day to keep yourself healthy.

Take this moments to be a challenge and create a positive platform for yourselves. It can turn to be the perfect time to move ahead in your career and also in gaining knowledge in your field of work.

“DEAL IT THE RIGHT WAY”