Expiring project funding
In a nutshell: What's it all about?
Expiring project funding and possible job losses create uncertainty and demotivation. It is therefore important to communicate transparently at an early stage, examine alternatives and support those affected.
Opportunities and possibilities
If you are in the dark about the continuation or follow-on funding of projects, you also worry about your own job prospects and possible future research career. This leads to demotivation, poor performance and greater stress. As a manager, it is your responsibility to support your team member in such a situation. In this way, the person concerned can continue to show full commitment and even become a useful contact for you and your team in future in their new role.
Get active: How to demonstrate good leadership
- Make sure those involved, as well as the relevant research group or team, receive transparent and regular information well in advance of project financing finishing.
- Review alternative financing options.
- Support those affected, for example through coaching, in finding solutions and jobs.
- Issue an interim employment certificate or reference letter for those involved.
Self-reflection: Am I applying my social and leadership competencies effectively?
Acting responsibly:
- How have I managed to convey a sense of security to the departing employee?
- To what extent have I become actively involved in finding a satisfactory solution?
- Did those affected feel they received adequate support?
Building bridges:
- Have I provided those involved with sufficient time and possibilities to look for an alternative position?
- Have those affected found a good follow-on solution?
In short: 5 steps to success
Areas of responsibility: Roles
Manager (and possibly the senior project manager): communicates with all parties/interfaces concerned, offers support for the employee to find a job, produces an interim employment certificate or reference letter
Employee: plans next career steps
HR: advice and support
Main responsibility
Manager, possibly the senior project manager