In our ever-evolving business landscape, change is inevitable, and unfortunately, layoffs have become a stark reality. We all understand that there are circumstances when such decisions are unavoidable and no one is invincible.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the profound impact that downsizing decisions have on everyone involved. The moment the decision is made, ‘Business As Usual’ ceases to exist, and life fundamentally changes for each individual affected and those around them.
Personally, any news of layoffs affects me deeply, having been in the position of delivering such messages. I don’t underestimate the experience of the individual losing their job; as the messenger, I’ve grappled with guilt, shed tears, and endured sleepless nights.
It was far from a transactional or routine experience; no amount of data could rationalize the emotional toll. I can only hope that I exhibited as much empathy, support, and thoughtfulness as possible. This, I believe, is the least one can do in such a challenging situation.
Often, discussions revolve around how the news was delivered and criticisms directed at the messenger or leader for their perceived lack of compassion. I’d like to extend some benefit of doubt to the leaders (messengers); perhaps they opted for a swift, bandage-ripping approach, believing it to be the most efficient. They may have hoped that the sooner it was done, the less painful it would be—for both the employees and themselves. However, they may have inadvertently minimized the emotional fallout by opting for impersonal announcements.
The situation is emotionally charged and deeply personal. The primary cause of fallout is the lack of emotion, compassion, and empathy—not the decision itself.
Here are some actions we took, which we hoped showed that we care and value them:
- Conducted individual conversations, providing a safe space for emotional reactions and allowing time for recovery.
- Offered career support such as resume writing, mock interviews, and circulating their CV within our network, along with recommendations.
Today, I believe there were areas where we could have done more. Colleagues who remained may have struggled with survivor’s guilt and uncertainty, unsure of how to help or interact. Here’s how I would foster solidarity for them:
- Actively assist them in reaching potential employers by sharing their CVs, referring or tagging them for relevant roles, and advocating for them on social media.
- Let them know that you’re a safe space for honest conversations and emotional support, and help them find professional assistance if needed.
Layoffs are undoubtedly complex, and if you find yourself in such a situation, seek advice.
A valuable tip: prioritize a people-first approach.
