Surviving and Thriving Through Redundancy
Jinfo Blog

By Penny Leach

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On 19th February, CLSIG's Professional Development Club gave another practical seminar, this one on 'Coping with redundancy'. Held in the lovely premises of the British Medical Association (BMA) in central London (a grade-II listed building designed by Lutyens and recently renovated), the event was subtitled 'an expensive luxury an organisation can't afford'. Attendees (many directly affected by redundancy or anticipating such) benefited from the direct experience of Bruce Madge, ex-President of CILIP and Director of Marketing at London Upright MRI Centre, and Jacky Berry, Librarian at the BMA. Much value of the evening was in the exploration of the emotions that redundancy can generate, not only for those made redundant but also for those carrying out redundancy programmes (who, however convinced that it is a impersonal business process, may feel caught between a rock and hard place) and for those employees left behind (survivor guilt). In the lively conversation over some tasty sandwiches and wine, the impact for some was likened to bereavement, but also, more positively, seen as a door opening onto new experiences. Attendees shared strategies on surviving the redundancy process (whichever end of the equation), and attendees agreed to create a network to stay in touch.

Penny Leach is Secretary and Awards Chair of SLA Europe.

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