'The event demoralized our employees,' Mariska hoarsely mumbled during a consultation. 'Everyone is stressed and anxious.' The whispers bared her struggles. She took over 800 employees from various departments after their company downsized last month. The VUCA — volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous — environment prevented her and many downsizing companies from pacifying the gnawing concerns of employees.

Many surviving employees — those who remained after downsizing — suffered from so-called survivor syndrome. It is a combination of negative feelings and behaviors and employees with this condition exhibit job insecurity, depression, anxiety, fatigue, lack of motivation and commitment. And feelings of unfairness, distrust and betrayal.