One of the unfortunate realities about our nation’s current economic situation is that most of us have been impacted in some way by layoffs – whether we’ve lost our jobs, seen a friend or family let go or had to tell someone they’d been downsized. But that doesn’t mean we know how to act in these potentially awkward and uncomfortable situations.

Here are some guidelines you can follow to make sure layoffs don’t affect you more than they need to.

If You’ve Been Let Go

• Keep the long view. Though you may be upset or angry, try not to take your emotions out on your former colleagues or boss. Act professionally and you’ll be more likely to be able to negotiate for a severance package, a recommendation letter or tips on where to look for work – all of which will likely help you more than an emotional meltdown.
• Take the high road. Especially these days, it’s often nobody’s “fault” you were laid off – so don’t talk trash (outside of your intimate circle). Professional behavior is much more likely to get you job recommendations and leads from people who know you than immature name-calling.
• Stay in touch. If you were friends with some of your colleagues, try to maintain those relationships – they may be able to help you in your search for employment.

If Your Friends or Colleagues Got Laid Off

• Give your support. You may not be able to do much, but sometimes just listening to a friend’s woes is enough. Make sure you maintain your relationship with a person even after job loss – just don’t ask about the job hunt every time you talk. Like filing bankruptcy, being laid off can be a sensitive subject.
• Do what you can. If you genuinely want to help a person, offer to forward job leads, write a recommendation and do anything else to help the job-hunting process. Networking is one of the best ways to find employment.

If You Have to Lay Someone Off

• Respect your employees. Don’t be passive about telling an employee she’s been let go. Tell her one-on-one – office gossip is not a good way to learn you’ve lost your job.
• Offer what you can. If you can write a recommendation, let your employees know. If not, offer to send along openings you hear about. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, but let your employees know you still care about them.
• Remember who’s hurting the most. Yes, this is stressful for you, too. But don’t expect your employee to sympathize with you. It won’t happen.

Additional Resources

Mass Layoff Data – August 2009 (PDF)

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