Labour expert urges empathy, due process in handling layoffs

By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh

Employment and labour expert Nana Madina Ibrahim has called on employers to follow due process and approach layoffs with empathy and transparency to safeguard both workers’ well-being and the long-term health of organizations.

Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed FM, Ms. Ibrahim emphasized that retrenchments and downsizing should not be treated as mere administrative decisions but as actions with deep personal, social, and economic consequences. She urged employers to inform affected employees clearly and compassionately, noting that respectful communication helps ease the emotional and psychological burden of job loss.

However, the effects of layoffs are not limited to those who lose their jobs. Ms. Ibrahim warned that remaining employees—often called “survivors”—can also suffer from low morale, heightened stress, and reduced trust in management. These emotional responses, if left unaddressed, can result in decreased productivity, higher staff turnover, and long-term damage to workplace culture.

She stressed that while layoffs may sometimes be necessary, they must be done ethically and within Ghana’s labour laws. “There is a legal and moral obligation to ensure employees are informed in good time and treated with dignity throughout the process,” she noted.

Ms. Ibrahim further highlighted the importance of negotiating fair severance packages as a critical safety net that helps employees transition to new opportunities. She also recommended offering counselling and outplacement support where possible to help affected staff regain their footing.

Her remarks come as economic pressures prompt some businesses to restructure or scale down operations. In such times, Ms. Ibrahim insists responsible leadership and transparent communication are crucial to preserving trust and workplace stability.