"In today's workplace, layoffs are no longer rare-they're a reality many employees have seen up close or have experienced themselves. On LinkedIn, the posts seem endless, each one paired with the now-familiar "Open to Work" banner. Or even more jarring: a coworker's Slack avatar is green one minute and grayed out the next-before disappearing altogether. When a teammate is suddenly let go, the instinct is often to comfort them, respond thoughtfully-say the right thing, offer support, and help them feel less alone."
"But in the emotional blur that follows a layoff, even well-intentioned comments can land poorly, and certain reactions can unintentionally make the moment harder. So how do you genuinely show up for a colleague or friend who's just been laid off-without overstepping, fumbling the moment, or offering advice that does more harm than good? Do ask: How can I help you?"
"many of us have a reflex when someone we care about is going through a hard time. We jump straight into fix-it mode: "Something bad happened-let me give you a solution." But sometimes, people don't need advice at all. They just need someone to listen, Pieczonka explained. Maryland-based Stefanie Magness, who was laid off in 2019 from her role in public affairs, echoed this perspective."
Layoffs are common and highly visible through platforms like LinkedIn and sudden Slack disappearances. Colleagues often instinctively try to comfort and solve problems by offering advice or quick solutions. Well-intentioned comments and unsolicited fixes can land poorly and exacerbate emotional harm. Asking a simple question such as "How can I help you?" centers the affected person's needs and avoids overstepping. Many people primarily need someone to listen; presence, bringing a meal, or sending a thoughtful message can provide meaningful support. Resisting the urge to immediately problem-solve preserves dignity and reduces additional stress during a layoff.
Read at Fast Company
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