How to support someone who has been made redundant
It’s a difficult time, not just for the person who has been made redundant, but for friends, family, dependants.
They are going through a confusing time.
They may feel guilty, embarrassed, ashamed, worried. All of those things.
So how do you support?
Gently.
You may also be feeling worried, but your role is to support with empathy and understanding . Apply no pressure. Ask no probing questions.
If it is a close family member or friend, ask them how you can support them.
Try not to offer cliches as supportive advice.
Banned: things like ‘ it wasn’t meant to be’, ‘something better will be around the corner’, ‘it happens a lot’, ‘they’ll be something better’
Cliches do have a role, they are meant well, but when you’ve just lost your job it’s probably too soon to move someone into ‘hope and action’.
Right now just say you are here for them.
Beware: think before you send on possible job vacancies and opportunities. They maybe just the right job, but do you know what they are looking for? Getting an inbox full of jobs that are half your salary, and lower level than you are just makes the person feeling worse. ‘Is that what they think of me’?
Remember it’s a sensitive time.
Ask more questions than you offer advice. When you ask questions like what are your thoughts? how are you feeling? what help do you need? You’ll get an identification of where they are at, and how you can support.
Be there: the odd text, an invite to coffee, a walk together, a drink
It’s nice to be reminded that people are there for you, but without the pity party. An invite for a night out, a coffee, a walk might be the tonic they need to be reminded of their brilliance.
And finally remember; it’s not the end, it’s the beginning of something new. They are going through many emotions but it’s only temporary. This is not who they are. This is just for now.