Results of the Economic recession

CNN's report of the tragic murder suicide in a Los Angelos community where a father killed his 5 children, wife and then killed himself as a result of losing their jobs is the worst possible case scenario you could imagine out of todays economic doom and gloom. Sadly though, I think it wont be the last either.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/01/28/family.dead.california/index.html

From the report linked above it says "Lupoe claimed the couple was being investigated for "misrepresentation of our employment to an outside agency for the benefit to ourselves's [sic], childcare." He said the initial interview was held on December 19, and when he reported for work on December 23, "I was told by my administrator ... that 'You should not even have bothered to come to work today. You should have blown your brains out.'"

Whether this was a result of an investigation or as a result of economic cuts by the employer I am not entirely sure. But it is a tragedy. Another report from the media is talking about a lady aged 35 who last week was earning $80,000 a year, and now, is lined up with many other former executives claiming welfare. Just three days ago, reports coming from overseas by my count had dropped almost 50,000 jobs and the worst part is, that wont be the end of it.

I'm concerned today that there is more concerned with the rush to make cuts and save money but little if anything is being done to keep an eye on the 'health' of the working population. In a past exodus from an employer access was given to me for assistance, but the limitations and availability of that assistance made it hardly worth it. I'd never experienced a break down like that before, and had it not been for the common sence approach, love and care of family and friends I would have been still somewhat of a wreck.

There is a need to ensure that if staff are being let go that everything is done to help soften the blow. I read a quote recently that is pretty accurate. "If you don't like bad news, you should get out of the leadership business. Your job is to hear as much bad news as there is out there and to figure out ways of dealing with it". As a manager I made it my business at one stage to try and shield my staff from the hard nosed hard news. But it happens and it needs to be shared.

I'm sure as a result of the 80's stock market crash that many a people took their lives...for what ever reason...dodgy deals, or just huge personal losses...what ever...We just need to look after our people.