How can I help in this wave of layoffs?
These are tough times. Folks are getting impacted with this wave of layoffs. It has impacted many organizations.
Ones who are impacted are your family, friends, colleagues, mentors, managers, and leaders.
Losing a job is not easy. It is a moment of loss that many of us are experiencing for the first time and may be the only time in our careers. These are extraordinary moments.
It is totally natural to not know what to say to a colleague who may be grieving. It is natural to not find the courage to speak with someone who has been impacted. So, if you feel the same, it is fine.
There are a few things I can recommend so that you can manage this situation a little better.
Reach out: Your inner voice may tell you many things.
- “What should I say?
- Hope I don’t say something wrong.
- Is this the right time?
- What if I end up hurting them instead of healing?
- How can I even help?”
In this situation, folks are feeling vulnerable. When someone is vulnerable, a human touch acts as a medicine. So, reach out.
You can just ask how they feel but don’t second guess your intentions so reach out.
Accept: Accept that these are extraordinary moments. Your friends could be going through various phases of grief. Depending on their situation, they may be in denial, anger, anxious, bargaining, depressed or accepting.
When you hear them, don’t judge them. It will be difficult for you to be in their shoes so let them be in their space. Just, lend them your ear.
Don’t fuel speculations: Some questions your friends may be grappling with would be — Why me? Why now? What will happen next?
There is a high chance you don’t have answers to any of these questions. If you don’t, then try and avoid participating in speculations. This will not help your friends.
Just, lend them your ear.
Help: If you can genuinely help, then charter an action plan with your friend. Help them in all ways possible. Use your network to introduce them to others. Do the initial leg work to find relevant openings and introduce your friends to the necessary leaders who have job openings.
If you can, then help them with interview preparation, resume writing, and or applying for a position.
At the same time, if you can’t help them now, then avoid the quintessential — “Tell me how I can help.” “Call me when you need help.” “Or if I were in your position, I would…”
Trust me, they don’t know how to seek help yet. Also, you are not in their position therefore it will be difficult for your plans to resonate with them.
Don’t make their loss any less: Your friends are in grief. They are at a low. Acknowledge their emotions. Do not make their loss seem any less of what it already is for them. Do not do a “what if” analysis to help them understand that things could have been a lot worse. It won’t help.
Care: Show that you care. Show that in your demeanor, your language, and your actions. Show that in reaching out to your friends a week or a month later.
Your own mindset: Prepare your own mindset. Remember that this is a phase of grief, but this will be over. They will find a job. They will be fine. Just give them the time, space and your lending ear.
The reason I write this is because I know of folks who have been impacted. If you have an openings in your organization for software engineers, human resource employees, or business administrators then please message me on LinkedIn. (13) Sandeep Chadda | LinkedIn
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