The return of values
Organisations which have engaged their people both in helping to manage the downturn and in parallel in preparing for the inevitable up-turn, will reap the rewards of retention of good people and much more active participation by staff in necessary change.
Come the return of better times, good employees will make stay-or-leave decisions based on the values and behaviours they have experienced during the downturn. Everyone knows that tough decisions need to be made.
The questions employees will ask themselves though as the tough decisions are made include:
- Were the rationales explained or were decisions imposed without context?
- Did top management tell the truth?
- How were decisions executed?
- Was I engaged appropriately in decision-making?
- Does the organisation serve a useful purpose?
- Do I feel comfortable with its values?
- Does the organisation still deserve my respect?
- Do I want to stay here?
- Will I recommend this institution to others?