Don’t Rush When Considering Layoffs: TalentQuest Report Cites Importance of Long-Term Thinking

Special report from HR consulting and software firm offers guidance and tips to employers in tough economy.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) November 10, 2008 –- Companies that rush to enact layoffs may be doing themselves long-term harm, says a new special report from TalentQuest, an integrated human resources consulting and software solutions (http://www.talentquest.com/) firm.

The report, "Layoff Advice: If You Have To Do It, Do It Right (http://www.talentquest.com/TalentQuest/www/9-0-Thought_Leadership.html)," offers guidance for managing layoffs (http://www.talentquest.com/TalentQuest/www/9-0-Thought_Leadership_Download4.html) in a way that preserves current productivity, prioritizes employee consideration and communication, focuses on financial stability, and ensures that companies have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to succeed in the long-term.

Despite today's economic turmoil, the TalentQuest report cautions employers to avoid rushed decisions when it comes to layoffs, as they may not be the best money-saving course in the long term. It urges companies to clearly define what they hope to accomplish with the layoffs, and their goals for the organization.

"Decisions related to reductions in workforce are all-too-often made hastily, subjectively and in a vacuum," said Dr. Rick Brandt, president of consulting services for TalentQuest. "Employers focus on avoiding litigation and claims of discrimination, unfairness or wrongful termination. Although these are important, too little thought is given to what the organization will look like after the layoff and what key competencies will be required for future success."

Key topics addressed in the special report include:

• Where to begin.

• Are layoffs the only option?

• Determining which employees to terminate.

• Maintaining objectivity.

• Ensuring employees remain engaged, minimizing interruption.

• Avoiding losing people we don't want to lose.

• How, when and what do we tell employees?

"Though necessary at times, layoffs can be extremely disruptive and more costly in the long run than they are beneficial in the near term," explained Brandt. "There are ways, however, to minimize negative impact and ensure your organization is well-positioned for the future, both in terms of retaining staff that you need now and your ability to attract top talent when the crisis is over."

A complimentary copy of the report, "Layoff Advice: If You Have to Do It, Do It Right," is available for download by visiting http://www.talentquest.com/TalentQuest/www/9-0-Thought_Leadership.html.

About TalentQuest:

TalentQuest has been strengthening organizational performance and advancing leadership for more than 35 years by blending the art of consulting with the science of technology. The company's consultants and organizational psychologists deliver fully-integrated human capital management consulting and talent management solutions that span the entire employee lifecycle - from talent selection to leadership succession - enabling organizations to maximize the value of their investment in people. The company provides strategy alignment, assessment and selection, management and talent development at every level to enable clients to increase profitability and competitive positioning, and achieve peak performance.

Manda Hunt

TalentQuest

(404) 441-3455

manda(a)lenoxcommunications.com

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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