With the country facing economic uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic, many companies have sadly had to make redundancies.
And if that’s happened in your workplace and you’ve kept your job, you’re probably feeling lucky to still be there but are facing losing some of your colleagues.
The conversation around redundancy and people leaving in that way can be really difficult – often you can’t say goodbye in the same way, especially if you are all still working from home.
But if your work spouse has been let go, it’s important to handle the situation properly.
Anita Kalra, Managing Director of KLG Employment Law has some tips about how to help when your colleague is made redundant.
Don’t be too patronising or openly pitying
When you’re dealing with other people around you being made redundant, think carefully about what you say – find a balance between being understanding and being too pitying.
Anita explains: ‘When it’s a colleague or peer, the most important thing is to be tactful and not patronising. Be clever enough to understand what causes redundancy; this is never a reflection of the employee’s own work.
‘Their immediate concern will be to find a new job and worry about making ends meet. Feeling sorry and openly pitying them will only allow them to panic more.’
Acknowledge the situation as soon as possible
Avoiding the topic altogether is not going to help either. It is awkward and it’s natural to not know what to say, but do say something.
Anita says: ‘Often employees can work out an agreed notice or leave immediately. With covid and the majority of us not in an office environment, it is important to reach out as soon as you know. Be it WhatsApp, internal messengers, whatever.
‘Something simple as “I just heard the news” or “How are you feeling? – what a shock”. If they want to open up, they then can. Leaving it as an elephant in the room makes it even more awkward; they may have embarrassment or wanting to protect you from worry too. Make the first move.’
Send them helpful resources to ease their stress
Obviously you won’t want to do anything to put your job in jeopardy but it is ok to point colleagues in the direction of any helpful information you have found, particularly if you spot jobs that might suit them.
‘You can be impartial but supportive by sending resources that may help in their job search, bill concerns or employee rights,’ Anita says.
;The most important thing is to make sure they have been made redundant fairly. Sadly we are seeing too many people dismissed on unfair grounds or without the right procedures in place.
‘Help your colleague to know that this is a fair and just situation before accepting it; revisit contracts to check leaving pay for example.
‘We’ve worked with employers during the pandemic to produce a guide through this difficult process, and there’s lots of advice out there online.’
Share their concerns and consider the future of your organisation
Although your job might be safe for now, there are always risks of more redundancies and it’s important to put yourself in their shoes.
Anita adds: ‘Redundancies rarely happen for just one position; sometimes a whole team or group of colleagues can be made redundant at one time. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling sorry for a work friend but relieved for yourself, because you never know when your position may be vulnerable too.
‘Really imagine what it is like for this person, and what it would be like if it was you. Listen to their concerns and take the time to advise and console. Also take this as a sharp reminder to get your own ducks in a row should this happen to you too.’
Arrange to see them outside the work setting as a friend
Just because someone has left in difficult circumstances, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch. They will probably appreciate support right now.
‘If you’re good friends,’ Anita says, ‘Maintain that as they leave or when they have left. Being forced out of an organisation can leave you feeling bitter, but also curious.
‘You’re cut off from your daily lunch buddies and work wife, through no choice of your own. It may feel a little awkward at first, but remember this is a person, a human, a friend. And work is just work. Value friendships just as much as your own career.’
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