Organizations of all types are experiencing an unprecedented, global pandemic of downsizing. This exceptionally timely book addresses the most crucial and complex leadership task since the industrial revolution: how to put the pieces back together and restore productivity in the midst of uncertain contracts between employee and employer. From an employee perspective, this book provides a remedy for the toxic symptoms—anger, fear, anxiety, and depression—of layoff survivor sickness and offers a prescription for a deeper, more autonomous and fulfilling employment relationship.

Combining dramatic front-line case studies and original research that deals with both downsized organizations and layoff survivors, David Noer—an expert who coined the term layoff survivor sickness and has been frequently quoted in major media such as the Wall Street Journal and Fortune—offers organizational leaders, managers, human resource professionals, consultants, layoff survivors, and layoff victims an original model, clear guidelines, and much-needed perspective on personal and organizational revitalization.

This new and significantly revised edition includes a focus on leadership and coaching that literally rewrites the rulebook on how to lead during times of crisis, a cutting-edge approach for employees to reorient themselves within their jobs and organizations, plus vivid examples Noer has amassed over the past 15 years reflecting increased globalization, changing demographic realities, and of course, uncertainties in the marketplace. Healing the Wounds is a must-read for all involved in helping organizations rebound from downsizing and who wish to personally increase their job satisfaction, autonomy, and relevance.