Three new training films provide support for redundancy

Nov. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Three new training films which will enable organisations to provide greater support to employees, if redundancies have to be made, are now being distributed by Video Arts. The three films show real people talking about the emotional impact of being made redundant, making other people redundant and surviving a redundancy process.

Created as a series called ‘Coping with Redundancy’ by independent film maker Big Shoulder, the new films - ‘On Being Made Redundant’, ‘Managing the Redundancy Process’ and ‘Staying On After Redundancy’ - are designed to act as a catalyst for discussion, to help those affected to feel less isolated and better equipped to cope.

“Redundancy can be a devastating experience, not just for those affected directly, but also for the managers who have to deliver the news and for the other staff who remain behind,” said Martin Addison, CEO of Video Arts. “These new films show three different sides to the issue of redundancy. They can help you to plan and implement a redundancy process by training managers and providing maximum support for all employees.”

‘On Being Made Redundant’ features seven people talking about the initial shock, anger, rejection, loss of direction and low self esteem they felt, when they were made redundant. It highlights the impact of this on their lives and how they eventually came to terms with their situation and moved on.

“The film shows how people can respond very differently to the news,” said Martin Addison. “A key message is that there’s usually a light at the end of the tunnel after redundancy. The film encourages people to talk about their experience and that’s an important part of the healing process.”

‘Managing the Redundancy Process’ shows seven managers describing the difficulty and discomfort they felt when making other people redundant. It offers practical advice to help managers prepare, and handle the emotional response, if they have to deliver bad news.

“No one wants to make redundancies but if you’re in this situation, this film will help you to prepare more thoroughly and put aside your personal feelings so you can act professionally, with respect and empathy,” said Martin Addison.

‘Staying On After Redundancy’ explains the complex emotions of relief and guilt felt by employees who are not made redundant. The film highlights that this ‘survivor syndrome’ often goes unacknowledged, however it can have a serious impact on morale, productivity and retention.

“Staying on after redundancy can be a confusing and unsettling time, as those deemed ‘lucky to still have a job’ have to readjust in the workplace,” said Martin Addison. “This film shows how to support survivors. It stresses the need to tell them they’re valued and to give them a sense of optimism.”

Each of these films lasts around 12 minutes and comes with a guide containing a summary of the content with session plans for facilitating group discussions, complete with exercises and PowerPoint overheads.

Organisations that want to access Big Shoulder’s ‘Coping with Redundancy’ series online - via a PC, tablet or smartphone - can license the film content through the Video Arts digital library or rent each film digitally from £195. The three-film series can also be rented on DVD for £995 per year or £295 per week.

Free previews of each film are available at www.videoarts.com.

Video Arts will be hosting a free webinar entitled ‘How to support your people through the redundancy process’ on Wednesday 14 December (11.30am-12.15pm) in which David Thomas, an expert on helping people through the process, will offer practical advice on managing the communications and dealing with the emotional aspects. To register online, visit: http://www.videoarts.com/News/News/172/Webinar:-HOW-TO…...

For further information, please call Video Arts on 0845 601 2531.

Background notes: Video Arts is the world’s leading provider of corporate video content. It was founded in 1972 by John Cleese and Sir Antony Jay, who wrote the ‘Yes, Minister’ TV series. Part of the Tinopolis group, Video Arts has won over 200 awards for its learning content.

Big Shoulder is a social enterprise set up by two ex-BBC, award-winning documentary directors to make training resources to support people in the workplace and promote wellbeing in organisations. All their films use real people talking about real issues. For further information about Big Shoulder, please email info@bigshoulder.com.