Alexus HarrisENGL 1102Prof. Dale4/25/2014Downsizing Working AmericaLayoffs are widely considered negative life events associated with depression along with economic decline and numerous other health problems. Many studies have shown that there is a direct link between physical and mental illnesses that have occurred in former workers and layoffs. While there is evidence of these effects and layoffs, the fact remains that there is no way to avoid laying off workers. This problem affects hundreds of people every year in America, although no progress has yet been made in preventing the problem. Many psychologists believe that firing workers can have serious consequences, such as mental and physical disorders of employees. However, other researchers say that firing workers has never been proven to cause depression or other mental/physical problems. There is also another argument that there is no way to avoid the act of firing people; which is just the way our system is set up. I believe that while layoffs cannot be avoided, there may be better ways to fire a worker. I think our system needs to be improved for us to function properly. Although some researchers say that layoffs have no serious effects, they cannot prevent the changes that occur in a person after being fired. Trying to avoid getting fired is virtually impossible and I'm not saying this is the solution to our problems. However, the goal is to reduce the damage caused by layoffs. But I think trying to soften the blow to make it less harmful to a person and their well-being would be intact would be a win-win for everyone. Downsizing has become an access... middle of paper... ...are of its employees. Based on ample evidence that huge layoffs very often provide only short-term gains and can cause long-term damage, it is worth emphasizing the need for caution when considering a downsizing. While it is an obvious fact that layoffs are almost impossible to avoid, it has been argued that there are ways to avoid mass layoffs and the harmful effects they can have on the well-being of workers and their families. Layoffs have been shown to affect employee mental stability and cause numerous health problems. It has also been shown that there is a way for companies to reduce the amount of workers they lay off or furlough, benefiting the workers a little more and the company a little less. While these efforts will not end layoffs and the harmful effects they can have, they can help “soften the blow” or be less devastating.