Balancing Priorities

Sharon McKnight SPHR

Recently, NY Jets coach had to defend his decision to attend his son's ball game rather than be present for cut-down day at his job. (See link to story below.) All the preparations for the work had been made, he just wasn't there on the day the decisions were implemented.

As an HR professional, I cringe at the thought of the head honcho not being present for a RIF. It just goes against the grain and sends a very cold message to remaining employees. On the other hand, however, I think employees should be able to be there for their families as well.

Work-life balance decisions can be really tough to manage. Given the details on this one, though, I think he should have been at work.

Your thoughts? What would you have done if in his shoes?

Sharon http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-york-jets-rex-ryan-defends-trip-to-clemson-on-cutdown-day-090313

NaeNae55

Tough call. I don't think cut day quite equates with an RIF. An RIF is hopefully an exception, where cut day is a normal part of business. Also, he said he spoke to many of the players being cut before the event. Still, he probably should have moved up the event to the night before so he could be there for his kid.

Library HR

I agree with NaeNae. He should have rescheduled his work obligations since the family obligation could not be rescheduled. No one wants to appear aloof and uncaring to the players that left or the ones remaining, that he still needs to work with.