Aotearoa Public Sector Job Cuts: Leading and Leaving with Inclusion & Equity
As public sector job cuts loom large, the repercussions are felt far and wide, touching the lives of countless individuals who rely on these roles for stability and opportunity. However, amidst the uncertainty and upheaval, it's crucial to recognize that not all are impacted equally. The disparities in power and privilege that exist within our society are magnified during times of crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a concerted effort to uphold equity and inclusion.
How in times of fear and loss can we still uphold equity, inclusion and justice?
Unveiling the Inequities
Public sector job cuts have a ripple effect, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities and further entrenching existing disparities. Those who are already marginalized by systems of oppression – whether due to ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors – bear the brunt of these cuts. For them, the loss of a public sector job represents more than just a setback; it's a blow to their livelihoods and a reinforcement of systemic inequalities. How may we be Tiriti-led during this time? How can we create as many opportunities and sparks as you leave?
The Dangers of Competition and Isolation
In times of crisis, it's all too easy for individuals to turn inward, focusing solely on their own survival and advancement. However, this mindset of competition and isolation only serves to perpetuate harm, further marginalizing those who are already vulnerable. Moreover, the use of meritocracy as a justification for these actions only serves to weaponize privilege and power, creating additional barriers for those who are already oppressed. There will still be spaces you will have to not enter, and job you shouldn’t apply because better suited for someone with lived expertise and experience of that community or culture. The survival mind will justify many actions for your safety, be cognisant of these “transmissions or thoughts of colonialism” in you.
“How you do anything, is how you do everything”
A Call for Solidarity - even when times are hard
Now more than ever, we must resist the temptation to prioritize our own interests at the expense of others. Instead, we must come together in solidarity, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our ability to uplift and support each other. This means actively challenging systems of oppression and dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality.
Upholding Diversity, Justice, Equity and Inclusion
As we navigate public sector job cuts, we must remain vigilant in our commitment to equity and inclusion. This means acknowledging privilege and power dynamics, prioritizing mental health support services and encouraging collaboration and solidarity among public sector employees.
To do this requires radical wellness, more than you think you need, to hold capacity for all the tensions this journey will test you, I give you that permission to seek and build what you need for this. Your energy impacts directly in your ability for solidarity, equity and overall navigating loss and rejection.
We cannot any longer compete for resources within and outside the public sector, as Tangata Tiriti employees we tautoko and actively support Māori Public Servants & Leaders. We acknowledge that young public servants, disabled public servants, public servants on visas, public servants who support multiple whānau are some who will be severely impacted by job losses as well discriminated once they reengage in the active job search process.
It also means empowering marginalized voices within the public sector, ensuring that decision-making processes are inclusive and equitable. Keep connected to your community and ensure the cultural and community resources are in play to have your best shot at applying for your role internally or externally.
Community Engagement for Equitable Systems Change - equitablesystems.org
Artwork by Kay Moua
Practical Tips for Navigating Public Sector Job Cuts
Offering More Than Sympathy: Everyone has something to offer beyond sympathy. Whether it's time, connections, testimonials, or referrals, we all have resources that can make a difference in someone else's job search. Particularly for team members you know need active support to have equal opportunities, do more than the talk. Too many leaders weaponize powerlessness in job cuts with little regard for what is possible for them to create sparks of possibilities for others.
Avoiding Gatekeeping Opportunities: It will be harder for some people to find new employment after these cuts. Instead of hoarding opportunities, consider sharing them with others who might be a better fit. Let's lift each other up rather than shutting others out.
Checking Reactive & Competitive Behaviours: In times of stress and uncertainty, it's easy to justify bad behaviour in the name of seeking stability. Take a moment to reflect on your values and the impact of your actions. Let's not perpetuate harmful behaviours but instead strive to maintain integrity and empathy in our interactions. It's common for us to show up in our scarcity, competition, and meritocracy in a completely individualistic approach. A reminder that even though you individually are at stake, within the public sector cuts, there are employees who are disadvantaged through systems of oppression e.g racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, Te Tiriti being under attack. Not everyone is on equal footing back into the job market and has the full range of choices in making their next steps.
Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing and Seeking Support: Encourage colleagues to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if they are struggling with the impact of job cuts. Additionally, ensure there are communities or specific spaces for marginalized voices in the restructuring process to prevent further marginalization. We need to show our diversity, our life experience and still remind ourselves of the criticality of these roles to influence the system, and do what we can to support these ethnic-specific or community-specific spaces.
Documenting & Valuing ‘Soft Skills’ aka cultural glue: Processes like job cuts often undervalue "soft skills," particularly those of women of color. Document the value of these skills and support team members in showcasing them on their resumes or in negotiations for compensation and help your friends truly document the vastness of their skillset.
Career’s are not everything, but it is a lot: For many of us, so much of who we are tied up in our professional lives, explore uncoupling this as we can hopefully use this opportunity to redefine the life you seek. When we feel microaggressions every day, this process of job cuts and restructures can feel painful and personally an injustice. Try to create some separation, especially those who have known to give above and beyond without expectation and reciprocity, I cannot promise it will be returned - rest and know you are a beautiful, amazing person outside the service in the public sector and leaving isn’t a failure on you personally.
Empowering Collective Mobilization: Joining unions or employee associations can provide individuals with a platform to collectively address workplace issues, negotiate for better conditions, and support one another through challenging times.
The challenges posed by public sector job cuts are immense, but they also present an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to equity and inclusion. By resisting the urge to prioritize competition and isolation and instead coming together in solidarity, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
