February 1, 2009

HR Executive

Managing Rumors

Eavesdropping and gossip are on the rise in U.S. workplaces as the recession continues to raise employee fears of potential job losses.

Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of Chicago-based employee-assistance provider ComPsych, says his company has been getting significantly more calls in the last couple of months “from employers concerned about how employees are reacting” to the plunging market and economy.

“People are trying to get information in ways that are, shall we say, less than direct,” says Chaifetz. “Employers have to be very mindful, right now.” Chaifetz also stresses the need to move quickly when making hard choices, such as whether to go through layoffs or a restructuring, and to “be direct, open and honest in your communications.”