How RIF Works

How RIF WorksHow RIF WorksA reduction in force is a thoughtful and systematic elimination of positions. For all practical purposes, a government RIF is the same thing as a layoff. Avoiding a Lawsuit When RIFs are not done well and when there is insufficient communication with employees, lawsuits are more likely to be filed by those who are adversely impacted. Organizations must stick to predetermined criteria when sorting out what happens to each employee. They must communicate with employees how and why decisions are made. Knowing this information helps employees process the badeanstalt news. RIFs in the Federal Government The US Office of Personnel Management is responsible for overseeing RIFs by federal agencies. These agencies may choose when they want to implement a RIF, but they must follow the rules set forth by OPM. In deciding who stays and who goes, federal agencies must take four factors into account TenureVeteran statusTotal federal civilian and military servicePe rformance Agencies cannot use RIF procedures to fire bad employees. Adverse personnel actions must be taken on an individual basis. While performance is a factor in RIFs, it is only one factor. Agencies cant simply get rid of their lowest performers. When agencies furlough employees for more than 30 calendar days or 22 discontinuous work days, they must use RIF procedures. An employee can be terminated or moved into an available position. The new position does not have to be at the same pay grade, but it does have to be within three grades or grade intervals of an employees current position. There can be a series of bumping that can go on as employees are placed in lower positions displacing employees in filled positions. Agencies must give employees 60 days notice before being terminated. In extreme circumstances, OPM can allow agencies to give as little as 30 days notice. If employees believe they have been unfairly treated, they can file an appeal with the Merit System Protection Board. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the RIF action. Getting Rehired Sometimes people in the private sector are hired back to their companies once they are laid off. Because of the budget structures in government, being brought back to the government organization is rare. People tend to come back by applying for vacant positions that were spared in the RIF process. Because these employees have experience with the organization, they have a leg up in the hiring process. Examples A state legislature reduces an agencys number of full-time equivalent positions by 10%. After factoring in the number of vacant positions, the agencys human resources department determines that that agency needs to lose 6% of its current employees. The agency considers reducing employees by attrition but based on the agencys turnover rate, human resources staff determine that this will not work. The agency decides they must implement a RIF in order to get the FTE countdown to an acceptabl e level. A city government decides it can save money by privatizing its trash collection. The city decides to implement a RIF of trash truck drivers and sanitation supervisors. The company that will take over trash collection will hire most of the displaced employees, but the city totenstill needs a RIF to determine the order in which employees may be placed in vacant positions.

Out of Work, but Not Out of a Job

Out of Work, but Not Out of a JobOut of Work, but Not Out of a JobYour New Job is to Find WorkYou may have been laid off, but the good news is you arent out of a job. The moment you were handed your severance package you took on a new role Product Marketing Manager of Your Name Inc. Theres nothing wrong with being unemployed, so dont consider it a personal black mark treat it like a new job. Youre now in sale - or better yet, Director of the Research Department.Dont worry about telling folks you need a job. Just get in front of them and have research conversations. If they see something they want in you, or they know of an opportunity, theyll let you know. The key is talking to as many people as you can do some viral marketing. Dont hide from the world. After all, the miracle connection might be right in front of you or only three degrees of separation away.So, other than a bit of decompression time (if you need it), youll want to get started in your new role right away. After all, something better than what you left is waiting for you. And if you believe this, you are much more likely to prove it true. Here are some immediate steps to take1. Toot your own horn.Because we grow up in a society that tells us to not beat our drum or toot our own horn, it can take a crisis to focus on our positives.Use this moment of freedom to reflect on your accomplishments, skills, interest, values and personal characteristics. Youll find a positive sense of self that comes from marinating in your own value. This is exactly what will position your disposition for the promotion project ahead. Done well and with some structure, this career inventory can not only inspire your concept of self but will serve as a basis for personal branding that can dramatically shift your resume and approach.2. Maintain your routine.When youve got perspective, organize your life around your new job of finding a job. Get up in the morning as usual, exercise and eat on the same schedule, and finish the day to be with your family as before. Just like you used to work four hours in the morning, have lunch and work through the afternoon, apply that same rigorous schedule to your new project. Youll stay sane, and be a lot more effective, by keeping your work time and other life structures consistent.Becoming an ace researcher in your areas of passionate interest and setting up conversations with folks based on those interests can create some backdoor inroads that will serve you. And dont stop there. Make aya that you end every conversation by asking for referrals to others who could help in your research

Take Your Kids to Work Day Always a Risky Business

Take Your Kids to Work Day Always a Risky BusinessTake Your Kids to Work Day is a Risky BusinessTake Your Kids to Work Day Always a Risky BusinessThis year, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day falls onThursday, April 22. If your workplace is planning something for the day, youre probably filled with equal parts excitement and fear. Will it be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the parent-child bond and impressyour colleagues with the fine young citizen(s) youre raising? Or will your kid puke on the carpet, unplug the server, and make rude comments about yourcoworkers? For most of us, its a crapshoot. Given the wide variety of workplaces, theres no single agenda for Take Your Kids to Work Day. Certain occupations dont even invite this kind of participation. If youre a medical examiner, a proctologist, or a fighter pilot, for example, you should probably just explain your job in kid-friendly terms, and maybe show them where you work, but leid let them give it a try.Most office-b ased jobs are suitable for kids, and many companies schedule events and activities for employees children. In this article, 5 Steps to a Perfect Bring Your Child to Work Day, author Katherine Lewis points out that it can be a great chance to show your kids what you really do, since many children believe mom and dad just play on the computer and talk on the phone all day long. She also points out that the younguns will be delighted by many of the things you probably consider mundane, such as commuting, getting a cup of coffee, or taking a lunch break. (And can anything match the thrill of pushing elevator buttons?) Here at, weve been planning a special morning that includes interactive projects, pizza with the CEO, and cookie decorating. And just for fun, well also be recording some video interviews with the kids.