Some industries appear to handle layoffs in better ways than others. If the results from a survey by employer review site JobSage are any indication, the advertising and media sector could use some more compassion in the practice.
The survey, which sought to gauge industries' handling of the layoff process by asking Americans who have been laid off to share their experiences, reported that respondents said the industry that ranks the worst at laying off employees is advertising and media (83 percent).
The hospitality industry and engineering industry were ranked the second- and third-worst regarding layoffs, at 79 percent and 74 percent, respectively.
According to the survey, the industries where employees currently fear layoffs the most right now include technology (32 percent), healthcare (26 percent), education (25 percent) and hospitality (25 percent).
Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Americans who reported being laid off said their employer could’ve handled the layoff process in a better way. More than a third (35 percent) said they felt the layoff process was uncompassionate and they didn’t feel cared for at all. Another third (32 percent) said they’d been laid off during an inconvenient time, such as before a holiday.
A majority of respondents (77 percent) think layoffs should always be communicated in person, as opposed to virtually, preferably in a one-on-one meeting (69 percent).
Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) said when they read about a layoff in the news, the perceived manner in which that company handled the layoff affected their opinion of that company.
The JobSage surveyed 1,000 employees who reported experiencing a layoff. The survey was conducted in July using online survey platform Prolific.
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Sep. 9, 2022, by Joe Honick
The JobSage survey reported here is a signal to anyone who may be recruited for jobs in the fields mentioned. Certainly, few if any are going to be positive about being laid off. Only the big boys and girls get all those payouts if cut.
While doubtful, it may develop that really talented folks being recruited will learn how to negotiate terms of required notice and compensation if terminated. Some may laugh at that, but reality is also that, any industry or company noted for lousy and insensitive handling of those matters will be finding it difficult to recruit the kind of quality replacements when the time comes.