Iop303v summaries chapter 1 – the meaning of work

6.1Ways in which individuals are affected by losing a job

• loss of social contacts, friendships and support in the workplace and daily structure

• economic deprivation – loss of income

• changes in roles

• changes in self-esteem – feel rejected/unwanted

• increased stress

• changes in social support

• changes in family relationships

• deficits/illness – physical or psychological

• men and women have different focus – men rely on problem-focused activities e.g. job search and women rely on symptom-focused activities e.g. social support

• positive side, might find a job that provides better work-life balance or new opportunities

• Kates et al suggest an integrated model that explains ways in losing a job affects an individual (Figure 6.5):

• Provoking factors – create further problems that makes individual susceptible to negative impact of job loss e.g. stress, poverty, negative self-image.

• Successful adjustment – reinforcement of protective factors that lesson adverse effects of job loss e.g. support, skills and financial resources – boost confidence and help individual cope with situation

• other factors must be added:

• What the job means to the individual

• The stages through which individuals pass after job loss

• Personal and environmental factors that can worsen the loss or lighten it.

6.2Stages of job loss - What to expect

6.2.11st phase

• Shock, denial, disbelief, relief and relaxation.

• After initial shock individuals feel relief and stop worrying (especially if they were expecting it) they then relax and separate themselves from situation.

6.2.22nd phase

• Concerted effort to look for another job – e.g. preparing and mailing CV’s working with personnel agencies and following up contacts.

• receives maximum support from friends and family

6.2.33rd phase

• occurs after months of unsuccessful searching – lasts about 6 weeks

• Uncertainty, self doubt, anger - high frustration, fear and anxiety experienced

• emotions have negative effect on relationships

6.2.44th phase

• resignation and withdrawal - experience loss of drive - feel lost control of his life

• vital to seek support, vent their anger and make positive assessment of the situation

• people who find it difficult to talk about their feelings should be encouraged to write them down

• psychometric and career assessments may identify strengths person is not aware of

• with severe depression medication might help in short term - exercise is good option

• psychotherapy to deal with psychological issues

• group support is invaluable

6.3Organisational actions

• Introduce training programmes to assist employees in managing stress and how to develop new opportunities

• The services of a coach can be important to increase self-awareness through exploring thoughts and feelings.

• Employee outplacement consultants help through initial shock and give advice on career moves

• Group training session for notifying managers to show them the “right way” to prepare for giving the “bad news”.

6.4Career assistance to retrenched employees

• Career counselors assist individuals with identifying their values and abilities, interests and career direction.

• General career counselor sees wide range of clients with wide range of needs e.g. high school pupil, someone wanting to explore different career options or retiree wanting employment

• Career transition counselor focuses on out-of-work candidates actively seeking employment.

• Psychological and financial needs of unemployed are more immediate and demanding.

• Counselor must be able to handle emotional venting, depression and sense of urgency the unemployed feel.

• Emphasis is on job search strategy, setting up informational interviews, networking contacts and job interviews.

6.4.1Managing job/career transition

• 4 categories of typical career-transition services:

• Executive career-transition services

• executives, senior managers or highly paid professionals

• one-on-one basis by experienced consultant who knows the business community

• psychologist also available

• counselors and trainers for additional coaching on specific job-search skills

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