It’s obviously upsetting and difficult to receive a layoff notice. But if you’ve been spared while your colleagues have been let go, a tricky question arises: How can you best support them without feeling awkward or appearing patronizing?
How to Help a Colleague Who’s Been Laid Off
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable.
June 25, 2020
Adam Gault/Getty Images
Summary.
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable if you’ve kept your job while your colleagues have lost theirs. You want to be helpful, and to steer clear of rubbing salt in their wounds or saying the wrong thing. The authors offer three recommendations for how to make a positive difference: 1) Get clear on their aspirations; 2) Be specific about the help you can offer; and 3) Follow their lead on how to relate.
New!
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.