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How can NiSource Professionals Recover if They are Affected by Layoffs in 2023?

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As NiSource employees navigate the turbulent waters of workforce reductions, it’s important to understand the emotional toll such events can take,' says Brent Wolf from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Fostering resilience and seeking professional guidance during these challenging times can be important for the long-term career and mental health stability,' he adds.

Kevin Landis of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, highlights the importance of mental health support for NiSource employees who have been laid off, suggesting that 'creating an environment where emotional well-being is prioritized can significantly mitigate the psychological impacts of job loss''.

In this article, we will discuss:

The Psychological Impact of Redundancies: This paper aims to explore the emotional and mental effects of job loss on individuals and the rising risks of depression and anxiety.
Case Studies of Professional Setbacks: In this paper, personal narratives of individuals who have experienced layoffs will be analyzed to determine the long-term effects on their career paths and self-esteem.
Strategies for Recovery and Adaptability: Here, we discuss mental health support, re-skilling, and strategies like 'quiet resigning' to help lessen the effects of workforce reductions.

The recent round of redundancies affecting more than 20,000 people has once again raised important questions about the psychological effects of sudden employment dismissal. This is not just a numbers game – it is also extremely emotional, affecting the individual’s career and self-identity.

A person who wanted to become a journalist moved to New York for the summer in 2021. Two years ago, they left the Midwest and established themselves in the East Village, waiting for the start of a job that was supposed to offer growth and stability. Despite the optimism, there was a quiet sense of dread that served as a tiny echo of what was to come. It was eight months later when an unforeseen consequence arose in the form of workforce reduction.

Not only did this sudden change lead to a professional setback, but it also brought about a great psychological discomfort. Despite the fact that four months after being laid off, he was successful in his job search, the fear persisted, fueled by a society that tends to equate professional achievement with individual identity. This fear is not unfounded; research has shown that people who are out of work are up to four times as likely to become depressed, anxious, have low self-esteem, and lack confidence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the rate of depression among young adults who are unemployed is about three times that of their employed peers.

The psychological effects of workforce reductions are not only felt by employees of NiSource. As explained by Dr. Darryl Rice, an excellent professor at Miami University in Ohio, unemployment is a form of deterioration that erodes the individual’s essential self-esteem. Charlie Trevor, from the School of Business at Wisconsin University, has found that this happens usually in the future and creates a sense of discomfort and doubt about the employer’s loyalty.

The feeling captured is echoed in the story of Remina Nair from London, who, despite looking for new opportunities for employment after being laid off, had to see a counsellor because she felt uncertain and doubtful about herself. The experience of the individual shows that redundancies are often carried out for reasons that are outside the control of the employees. Though many people understand this in the rational part of their mind, they are often unable to do so in the emotional part of their brain.

In addition to the existing challenges of the post-layoff environment, there are the terms of the exit. Future employer perceptions are greatly influenced by the circumstances of the layoff including severance and career support, according to Connie Wanberg of the University of Minnesota. According to Trevor, the transgression that happens after being laid off is considered a breach of contract thus making people rethink their expectations; this causes such experiences to have a lasting impact.

The story written by Stephen Bowlby from Colorado Springs illustrates the massive impact of this to the utmost. He could not prevent redundancies through his film and television careers, which often demanded a sacrifice of his personal life. The feelings of hopelessness and regret that are combined with the need to reestablish oneself professionally demonstrate the difficulties of recovery from a termination.

The emotional challenges described are consistent with the findings of Trevor’s research which established that employees are 56% more likely to resign from any job after being laid off, and 65% more likely to quit their first job after being laid off. The negative psychological consequences of these experiences often result in incompatible job descriptions or lower salaries that add insult to injury.

It is not just a question of personnel issues that are the prevalent workforce reductions in American business, it is an obstacle for leadership that may erode the trust, loyalty, and continued employment of the employees. The notion that job security is assured through hard work often leaves people feeling hopeless and resentful. What can NiSource personnel recover?

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One approach that is starting to take shape is the 'quiet resigning' trend, which involves setting some boundaries at work and focusing on your mental health. However, this does not address the root issue: lack of clarity on the authority regarding the organizational decisions pertaining to personnel. It is important to break the stigma associated with the psychological effects of unemployment and offer people a place to turn and share stories and encouragement.

Sources:

Kim, Jean. 'The Underrated Trauma of Being Fired.' Psychology Today, Aug. 2021, www.psychologytoday.com/articles/the-underrated-trauma-of-being-fired. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
'Coping with Termination's Psychological Impact on Staff.' Labour Laws UK, labourlaws.co.uk/coping-with-terminations-psychological-impact-on-staff. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
'What Are the Psychological Effects of Being Fired?' Pursue The Passion, pursuethepassion.com/psychological-effects-of-being-fired. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
'Psychological Impact of Termination: Corporate Support Strategies.' Floowi Talent, floowitalent.com/psychological-impact-of-termination. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
Highlights the responsibilities of corporations to provide emotional and career support to terminated employees.

As an employee of National Grid, what are the key eligibility criteria for participating in the Pension Plan specifically for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees? How might these criteria impact your personal retirement planning and the benefits you expect to receive upon retirement from National Grid?

Eligibility Criteria for Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan: Employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation who are represented by Local Union 97 of the IBEW and work at least 20 hours per week or accumulate 1,000 hours in a Pension Plan year are eligible. Participation begins automatically on the first day of employment. These criteria directly impact retirement planning by determining when employees begin accruing pension benefits and how much they will receive at retirement(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Within the framework of the National Grid Pension Plan, how does the cash balance formula work in calculating retirement benefits, and what implications does this have for employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation when considering their long-term financial outlook?

Cash Balance Formula: The National Grid Pension Plan for Niagara Mohawk employees uses a cash balance formula that provides monthly pay-based credits (starting at 4% and increasing with years of service) and interest credits. These accumulate in a hypothetical account, growing until retirement, allowing employees to track their retirement benefits much like a savings account. This formula impacts financial outlook by providing predictable growth tied to service and pay(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For employees at National Grid, what are the specific rights and options available during the pension benefit application process? How do these rights protect the interests of individual employees and ensure they receive fair treatment under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan?

Pension Benefit Application Process: National Grid employees must apply for their pension benefits by submitting the required forms at least 90 days before retirement. Spousal consent is required if opting for any form of payment other than the default. This ensures employees understand and select the best payment option for their circumstances, protecting their interests under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Given the different types of credits that contribute to the pension benefit for employees of National Grid, how are Pay-based Credits and interest credits calculated? What strategies might Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees employ to maximize these credits before retirement?

Pay-based and Interest Credits Calculation: Pay-based credits are determined by years of service, starting at 4% of pay and increasing to 8% after 20 years. Interest credits are based on an annual interest rate tied to the Treasury securities and corporate bond rates. Employees can maximize these credits by continuing to work and contributing to their pension balance(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How do pension benefits work for Transition Group Employees specifically within National Grid's framework, and what unique provisions apply to them under the Pension Plan as compared to regular employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Pension Benefits for Transition Group Employees: Transition Group Employees under the National Grid Pension Plan have benefits calculated using both the former final average pay formula and the cash balance formula, with the greater benefit being paid out. This differs from regular employees who only receive benefits calculated under the cash balance formula(National_Grid_2023_Niag…)(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

What are the repercussions for National Grid employees in terms of benefit loss or limitation if they have not met the Vesting requirements under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? How can understanding these repercussions influence an employee's decision-making regarding their career and retirement?

Impact of Vesting Requirements: Employees must complete three years of service to become vested in the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan. If they leave before vesting, they lose all accrued pension benefits. Understanding vesting requirements is crucial for career and retirement planning, as it ensures employees retain their pension benefits if they meet the criteria(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

As a current employee at National Grid, what does the termination of the Pension Plan imply for accrued benefits under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? Specifically, how do federal protections through ERISA and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation come into play for employees seeking assurance regarding their retirement funds?

Termination of Pension Plan and Federal Protections: If the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan is terminated, accrued benefits are protected by ERISA and insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Employees can feel assured that their benefits will be secured up to the PBGC's limits in case of plan termination(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How does the National Grid Pension Plan accommodate the unique situations of employees during times of disability or military service, and what steps should Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees take to ensure their benefits continue during these periods?

Disability and Military Service: Niagara Mohawk employees receive service credits during periods of disability or military leave, ensuring continuous pension accrual. Employees should ensure their disability or military status is properly documented with the company to avoid interruptions in their pension benefits(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

When considering the various forms of pension payments available to retirees from National Grid, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing an annuity versus a lump-sum payment for employees from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Annuity vs. Lump-Sum Payment: Retirees at National Grid have the option to choose between an annuity, providing a steady income for life, or a lump-sum payment. The annuity provides financial stability, while a lump sum offers flexibility. The choice depends on individual financial needs and retirement goals(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For those looking to gain further clarity on the nuances of the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan, what are the most effective ways for employees to contact National Grid for assistance? How can engaging with the Pension Service Center enhance an employee's understanding of their benefits and rights?

Contacting National Grid for Pension Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan can contact the National Grid Pension Service Center or use the online pension modeler. Engaging with the Pension Service Center provides personalized guidance, helping employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).