DOWNSIZING E ESTRESSE

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the relationship between downsizing and stress during the year 2002 in an aeronautic sector company in Rio de Janeiro, and its effects on the organization and the remaining employees, who are called “survivors”. Through qualitative analyses of forty-five interviews out of the remaining staff, it was concluded that downsizing is related to the survivors’ stress, due to not only the increase of work amount and responsibilities, but also insecurity regarding maintenance of jobs. It was noticeable that this restructuring process in the Company, due to its broadness, has changed psychological contract of most survivors. As an advice to other organizations, it should be pointed out the role of human resources to planning and implementing downsizing, and the importance of communication process in the Company to diminishing unwanted effects of downsizing and assuring the whole staff has been informed on the reasons for downsizing in order to avoid misunderstandings.