There has been much discussion about the effects of layoffs on workers’ mental health, but I’d like to focus instead on how to react when your co-worker gets laid off but you weren’t.
A looming layoff will obviously cause a lot of anxiety about what will happen, and the threat is that the person will begin to imagine all of the ways in which their life could fall apart and go wrong before they even experience the layoff itself. This could cause the person to feel even more anxious than they already are.
Getting Laid off vs Getting Fired: Understand the difference
A layoff is a common term used when a company decides to reduce its workforce. Typically, being laid off has nothing to do with the employee’s performance (meaning it generally is not your fault). It is because of business-related economic factors.
Being fired is frequently the result of something the employee did wrong, which can vary from: Poor performance, frequently calling out for work, breaking a company policy, or even personal differences.
Dealing with layoff
When dealing with the looming uncertainty of potential layffs, people need to consider healthy coping mechanisms, such as talking to family and friends.
Although layoffs are extremely personal, they affect more than just the person who is let go. Continue reading to find out how to react when your co-worker gets laid off.
1. Talk to them:
You should try to make contact with them instead of pretending the incident never occurred. Your mission is to be sympathetic, helpful, and encouraging, just as you would hope to be treated if you were in their position.
Sometimes we want to say something encouraging, but that could come across as being judgmental to the person’s experience, so we have to be careful. Reassuring someone that “it’ll be okay” or “you’ll find another job” prevents them from fully experiencing the pain they are feeling.
2. Don’t behave like nothing happened:
You should try to make contact with them instead of pretending the incident never occurred. Your mission is to be sympathetic, helpful, and encouraging, just as you would hope to be treated if you were in their position.
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The worst thing you could do is express your relief that it wasn’t you.
3. Don’t gossip:
You should also avoid getting involved in office gossip or inane conversations with your coworkers. Talking negatively about the layedoff employee will do nothing to help him find new work. You’re just starting trouble and jeopardizing your own standing.
4. Limit surprises:
Throwing a surprise going-away party for your friend who has already dealt with the unexpected is not a good idea. If your friend would like, you can certainly plan a farewell lunch for them, but make sure to check with them first.
5. Refrain from asking many questions:
Pay close attention to the other person and refrain from asking too many questions. In some contexts, the question “How many job interviews do you have lined up?” can come across as intrusive. It’s fine to ask your friend questions if they volunteer the information, but avoid those that might put undue pressure on them.
6. Show empathy:
Express your appreciation by telling them things like, “That project never would have gotten done without your expertise” or “I’ve never met someone with your attention to detail.”
You can’t change what’s happened, but you can help make that person feel like they did valuable work that mattered and left an impact.
If you’ve managed to keep your job while many of your coworkers have lost theirs, it’s only natural to feel a little awkward about it. You wish to be supportive, but you also want to avoid saying anything that might make things worse. You can show compassion and make a difference by adhering to these rules.
Reach out to them to wish them well and provide assistance where you can. It will help a great deal in alleviating the stress, depression, and loss that you and your coworkers are experiencing.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
This is something I never wish this to happen to anyone yet, we can’t deny that this happens in reality. Being present and being open to conversations with the person involve is the only way you could help him/her. Extending financial help or contacts whom you know could help get them back on their feet is also one great way (guaranteed the person involved is open to it). Making sure that this is what the person involve wants, then you can go ahead and give suggestions.
You have dealt with this tricky situation very nicely. I have been in this scenario, and I was too immature that time. My colleague was very upset.
Gone through similar experiences many times, I so much agree with your thoughts in this topic. Its a very sensitive time for a person and we need to deal with it in the right manner.
This topic is something that I l’ve never even thought of Anjali… its amazing that u come up with these sensitive things to write about. I have seen employees(co workers) having difficulty dealing with their colleagues in these situations… your blog will come handy.
Lay off is also difficult to face it. To the person who going through this and to the co -workers who are emotionally connected with person. You pointed out good tips. Because some time good people don’t understand how to help them.
I remember the time of recession when people have been laid-off left n right. It was overwhelming and disheartening but it’s a truth in today’s corporate world. I loved all your suggestions and totally agree with them.
These matters should not be ignored, they need to be discussed.
Losing a job is never fun. Beyond the loss of a regular paycheck, you may worry about losing insurance, friends, and maybe even a sense of purpose. But, once you get over the shock of losing your job, you’re going to start looking for the next job. And you’re probably worried about what comes next. I guess your ways to deal them is good.
Getting laid off can have mental health repercussions as well. While the company may have its reasons to let go, in an ideal situation they should also offer support where possible for placements….the HR and top management would surely have links to others in the industry and can try to place people or get them interviews where possible. But again that is an ideal situation. Does work that way in reality usually.
When I was working with bank during recession I witnessed the layoff of many of my fellow colleagues. It was painful to watch and I never consoled them rather I wished to help a few of them to start their startups and finally each one of them are not doing well as entrepreneurs.
I have never experienced this nor have I had to experience this situation with a colleague so far. But getting laid off is an emotional rollercoaster ride as the person will be least expecting it especially if he is doing well at work. These are good points you have elaborated.
With the recession again, a lot of people are being laid off. This topic is extremely important now. There is no perfect way to react but we can avoid some things.
In tough situations empathy will provide strength to face it and take better action.
Discussing being laid off with the co-worker is like walking on thin ice since you can never really guess how they would react. Refraining from asking too many questions is as important as empathy.
I wish many people read your useful pointers.However strong a person is, these days, being laid off is like a doom. It is very tough to land another job and equally tough to deal with emotions and, on top of that, the sniggers. Empathy sure would ease the agony, but how many people in India know how to empathise?
Oh I had gone through this in my corporate life. It was so difficult to handle the situation. No words of encouragement are enough at that time. One has to deal it very sensitively.
Such an empathetic post!
It is one of the most difficult situations one has to face. All we can do is be with them
Sharing the emotion with right words always makes the things go smooth. Your suggestions in the post will help many to avoid the awkward moment at work place.
It’s a difficult situation when someone from your work place gets laid off. Liked all your pointers, people must understand how to behave in such a situation….as you said,” you would hope to be treated if you were in their position”
This is such an emotional and tough situation, wish no one goes with this but yes you have mentioned such nice suggestions which can help in lot many ways.
The global economic conditions has forced companies to lay off. And it becomes discouraging to get out of job due to economic reasons. These tips and suggestions are great as one must think about the situation of the laid off friend.
this is such a difficult situation one might get into, laying off can get difficult not only for that person but for their entire family. I love your suggestion they are really well though of.
These are the times I appreciate being a freelancer! An important subject though. Thanks for sharing!