Facing the staff after a reduction in work force

Health care managers will have to assess the organizational climate and the adverse psychological effects of staff reduction when facing staff after a reduction in force (RIF). During an RIF, managers should see to it that the credibility, employee productivity and morale are not compromised. They must recognize the trauma caused by RIF, present strategic factual information, maximize employees' feelings of control, suggest coping strategies and defuse hostility and tendency to blame.