Challenges to the HR professional's role in these tough economic times are rife. Many are dealing with difficult corporate decisions that may result in layoffs or plant closings. This entails managing those layoffs and dealing with the morale of the remaining work force. Many other companies are avoiding layoffs by reducing pay, reducing hours, or enacting other strategies that require creative solutions and communications from the HR team. And even in those companies that are fortunate enough to be weathering the storm relatively unscathed, the spillover effect on productivity can be substantial when employees suffer economic stress due to another family member's job loss or a home foreclosure.

It's hard for employees to be productive when their physical, emotional, or financial well-being is in jeopardy. Even for those who are not directly affected by economic turmoil, the anxiety factor of the unknown can be fairly intense.

We've found some good articles that offer advice on many of these issues. Some are designed for HR managers and some are tools and advice that might be shared with employees. As we find more resources on these issues, we'll continue to share them on the blog.

Helping employees cope with change - Lauren Keller Johnson of Harvard Management Update notes that managers face a daunting task in helping their organizations weather a downturn. "They need to ensure that employees fully buy into change initiatives and make the necessary alterations in their day-to-day behavior - at precisely the same time their employees are likely to be most anxious about, and resistant to, change." She discusses five phases of change.

Crisis Communication: Now More Than Ever, a Timely Topic - Knowledge@W.P. Carey notes that while the times appear perilous for corporate entities, crisis is inevitable and can occur at any point. The post reviews 5 rules of crisis communication.

Stopping Survivor Guilt - Rebecca Reisner of BusinessWeek says that it is a senior manager's responsibility to stave off survivor guilt before it lowers the morale and productivity of remaining employees. She offers concrete suggestions for how to do this. In a similar vein, see CC Holland's article How to Restore Morale After Layoffs from BNet Insight.

Step up your EAP communications in light of high financial stress - we would like to issue a pointer to this post that we made in October because we think it is of great importance. If you are not tapping into the resources available from your EAP, you are missing an important source of help for both you and your employees.

Tools for your employees
Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times: The Economic Crisis (PDF) - you or your employees may be struggling with the effects of the bad economy at home - and it's vital not to overlook the anxiety that may be taking a toll on kids. The national Association of School Psychologists offers tips for parents and teachers to help reduce fear, anxiety and uncertainty that many children may be experiencing. And on the same issue, Paula Ebban of WBZ-TV discusses ways to help kids cope with the tough economy, including a suggestion for some kids' books that might help you to start a discussion.

Financial Survival Guide - from ConsumerReports

CPAs offer tips for managing money in down economy

Healthy Heart Tips for a Bad Economy - Don't let your body pay the price in uncertain times, experts say

10 Car Care Tips for Tough Economic Times