After the downsizing. How to build loyalty and productivity in the wake of restructuring

The restructuring forced on many healthcare organizations today increases employees' stress and threatens their loyalty and productivity. To restore trust and improve morale, and maintain hope, healthcare leaders can implement six strategies: Clearly communicate decisions that affect employees, using verbal and written methods, and show compassion to displaced workers and acknowledge their contributions. Support remaining employees. Tell them why they survived and provide them with new challenges. Allow employees to participate in developing a shared vision of the organization's future. Empower employees by rewarding their accomplishments appropriately. Workers perform better when they develop their "personal power" and believe they are part of a team facing new challenges. Focus on learning and professional growth. New knowledge sparks workers' imaginations and helps them find better ways to accomplish their goals. Ask employees to reflect on their professional legacies-what they wish to be remembered for.