Hindustan Hunt

Layoffs, Anxiety, and the Future of Work: How HR Can Lead with Empathy

The Current Landscape: Layoffs and Workplace Anxiety in India

The Indian job market is witnessing a turbulent phase. With global economic uncertainty and rapid technological disruptions, layoffs across industries have become a growing concern. Recent reports indicate that several major corporations, including IT and startup sectors, have announced workforce reductions. According to a survey by PwC India, nearly 70% of employees fear job insecurity, leading to heightened workplace anxiety, stress, and disengagement. The rise in job losses has also contributed to a surge in mental health challenges, with many professionals struggling to cope with career uncertainty.

While organizations may view restructuring as a business necessity, the human impact of layoffs cannot be overlooked. Anxiety stemming from job instability affects productivity, morale, and long-term organizational success. This evolving workplace dynamic calls for a compassionate and strategic HR approach—one that prioritizes emotional intelligence, resilience, and proactive employee support.

What Organizations Need to Do to Address Workplace Anxiety

1. Build Transparent Communication Channels
Uncertainty breeds anxiety. HR leaders must prioritize clear, honest, and timely communication with employees about business changes. Transparency fosters trust and reduces speculation-driven fear.

2. Provide Emotional & Career Support
Layoffs should not mean abandoning employees. Companies must invest in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), outplacement services, and mental health support to help employees navigate transitions effectively.

3. Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety
Workplaces should encourage open dialogue about mental health and provide resources like mindfulness sessions, stress management workshops, and peer support programs.

4. Train Leaders in Empathetic Management
HR must ensure that managers are trained to lead with empathy, offer emotional support, and recognize signs of burnout or anxiety in their teams.

5. Adapt HR Strategies for a Future-Ready Workforce
Organizations must go beyond traditional employee engagement models and integrate AI-driven workforce analytics, flexible work policies, and well-being initiatives that align with evolving workforce expectations.

Join Our Webinar on  Layoffs, Anxiety, and the Future of Work: How HR Can Lead with Empathy

Navigating workplace anxiety requires strategic leadership and empathetic HR interventions. To equip leaders with the right tools and insights, we invite you to our exclusive SOULSARA webinar:

📅 Date: 4th April 25
🕘 Time:10-11 am IST
🔗 Register Now: https://lu.ma/vy5gksmp
🔗 Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98703584704
🌼 Join Our Wellness Community: https://lnkd.in/drnk5C4U

Meet the Speakers

🔹 Rutvij Shah – Lead, Organization Design, Talent & Performance, Carl Zeiss

A dynamic HR transformation strategist, Rutvij leads organizational development, talent, and performance at Carl Zeiss Group. With extensive experience advising C-suite leaders at Deloitte and Mercer, he has driven large-scale workforce transformations and talent strategies for Fortune 500 clients. A rank-holder from XLRI Jamshedpur, Rutvij is a thought leader recognized by SHRM India and global HR forums.

🔹 Kanchan Khedkar – General Manager – HR (Global People Functions), HCLTech

Kanchan is a seasoned HR leader managing global people functions across 20 countries, impacting over 23,000 employees at HCLTech. With expertise in business partnering, HR automation, workforce planning, and employee retention, she leads strategic initiatives to drive engagement, performance, and change management across the organization.

🔹 Deeksha Shukla – Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, SOULSARA

A passionate wellness advocate, Deeksha blends ancient wisdom with modern science to drive holistic well-being in the workplace. She specializes in mindfulness, time management, and employee wellness, championing meaningful workplace transformations that prioritize mental and emotional health.

Why You Should Attend

  • Gain actionable strategies to manage workplace anxiety during layoffs and organizational change.
  • Learn from industry leaders about leading with empathy while driving business success.
  • Discover how to upgrade HR policies and employee wellness initiatives to create a future-ready workforce.
  • Get insights on how organizations can leverage technology and innovation to support employee well-being.

Workplace transformation starts with empathetic leadership. Join us for this insightful conversation to redefine the future of HR and create a resilient, engaged workforce.

Visit our website to learn more and to keep updated with the latest resources & events SOULSARA: Comprehensive B2B Employee Wellness Solutions 

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