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It helps tremendously. Right now, they're feeling abandoned, betrayed, depressed, and scared. Sending a text saying that you're thinking of them and are looking through your contacts' activity for job leads will help a lot. Even if you don't have leads, still let them know that you're here to help. And mean it.
I really struggle with survivors guilt. I take layoffs personally because it means I didn't bring in enough business to justify their jobs. It's good that you care. On behalf of the laid off, thank you.
I’ve been in both positions.
1. As a person who’s been laid off, it feels really nice to get a message from your past coworker. It makes it feel less lonely and that you have support in a shitty time. People normally say “If there’s anything I can do to help / if I can introduce you to someone / you need a reference, let me know”. And has it helped? Absolutely. I leveraged many of those people for all those reasons and it’s gotten me jobs. It’s hard to get a reference from a place you were laid off from too so it’s extra useful.
2. As a person who’s seen people get laid off, if we worked closely, I’d definitely send them a text as I know the weight it carries.
It’s better to be the person who reached out vs. the one who didn’t. Hope that helps!
Second this! Years later I still remember who did not reach out that I worked with closely or didn’t reply to a message I sent as someone who was cut (it was great working with you etc)
I will always remember who reached out. And more importantly, who didn’t. It takes so little effort to send a quick message. I believe this is one of those moments that shows a lot about your character.
Send them a message, something simple. “Hey I’m sorry. Here if you want to talk. Will keep an eye out for any gigs I see.”
REACH. OUT.
‘Hey, I saw the bad news, and I wanted to say that you were amazing to work with. If you want to chat or can think of a way I can help I’d always be excited to hear from you.’
I have reached out to people who have been made redundant. They have been really pleased to hear from me. It makes people feel less alone. Do it :-)
Some people who have been laid off have played an active role in forcing people out.
I don’t believe in withholding empathy as revenge.
But I also don’t believe in extending intimacy where there was none. Silence can be appropriate.
While I believe that people are more than their worst professional decisions, they’re also accountable for how they treated others.
Always reach out. Always.
I’ve been in both positions. I’m sure someone has said this but just in case- empathy is not saying ‘I’ve been through that’ it’s connecting to the emotion the person is feeling.
So I suggest that any reaching out is done with a curious mindset: what do you need right now?
I’m a freelancer and I always reach out to people I see experience layoffs at companies I work for that I’ve personally worked with. At the very least to be like hey been there if you have any questions about freelance or want to vent I’m here. Open your network to them, make introductions. Hell even just writing a LinkedIn post and tagging people in support can go a long way. The industry is small so even little things help and people don’t forget genuine empathy and kindness in those situations. I’ve had recommendations I’ve made or introductions turn into gigs and jobs and also had people pay that back with referrals for myself. It’s all good karma.
Reach out, you won’t regret it
I’ve reached out to coworkers after layoffs before, even a simple “thinking of you” made a big difference. People mostly appreciate being remembered, even if you don’t have the perfect words.