Many South Africans have been retrenched in 2020 as companies battled to survive in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown it necessitated.
Getting back to work after being retrenched can be daunting at the best of times, but in 2020 it is even more trying. “For many people who have been retrenched, starting a new job will mean working from home, either permanently or for the foreseeable future. Others will be joining a workplace that is adhering to strict distancing protocols,” ManpowerGroup SA MD Lyndy van den Barselaar says.
She advises the following as a way to deal with the stress:
- Being retrenched knocks your confidence, no matter the reason for your company’s need to restructure, so you need to take some time to heal and take care of your metal health. “Work on cultivating a positive attitude about your own abilities; remind yourself of the achievements, big and small, you’ve made over your career.”
- A big part of starting a new job is getting to know your colleagues, but the landscape is so different now, with many people still working remotely or having to adhere to strict social distancing protocols. Make sure that you engage as much as you can in any meeting on whatever platform your new team uses.
- It can be tempting with a new job — especially as everything feels so uncertain — to work extra-long hours and to be available at any time of the day and night to show your dedication. But this is unsustainable and unhealthy. “Setting healthy boundaries is crucial in any job situation, and especially so under disrupted circumstances. For example, if you are working from home, you need to ensure your availability isn’t taken advantage of, and that you outline work time from personal time.”
- You need to be clear about your boundaries, while not being too inflexible. “Flexibility and compromise are the order of the day. Try to achieve a healthy balance between compromise and boundaries — work with your team and not in isolation.”
- Ask questions so you are up to speed with any developments and have the background necessary to do your job. However, try not to be the person who asks questions that disrupt every meeting. Again, it’s about striking the right balance. “If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask them — just find ways to do it that don’t cause disruption or stress.”
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