Emotionally challenging layoffs through the eyes of psychologists

November 6, 2023

Layoffs are a natural and inevitable part of an employee's life. That's the rational view. And then there's also a lot of surprise, hurt, confusion, worry, helplessness... on all sides. People leaving the company. Employees who stay. And also HR and managers who put on the diplomatic and emotionally challenging mask of the one who is letting go. Read the basic recommendations from psychologists and psychotherapists on how to treat the emotions and moods associated with layoffs so that neither the mental health of employees nor the company culture suffers

Layoffs. Termination. Joint agreement

No matter what you call it. In the end, there's always a person whose self-esteem and self-worth take a big hit because of the termination. Someone's standard of living has to change, someone's relationships are disrupted. Fear of the future and unexpected change can trigger a range of unpleasant emotions and reactions in people: Verbal attacks on the manager, gossiping, leaving without saying goodbye, arguments, the employer's decision to damage...

In moments of intense emotion, react like a mature parent:

Acknowledge the emotion and let it show.

"I'm not in your situation, but I recognize that it's very difficult right now."

At the same time, try to steer behavior and thinking to a constructive level as soon as possible.

"I know it's early days, but even though it's very bad right now, it will pass one day. Would you like to discuss with me what help the company is offering you?"

Offer to help and shift your attention elsewhere.

"If you'd like, we can talk and clarify if there are any questions or concerns going through your mind."

Of course, it may also be that someone's life will change for the better by quitting. An outside incentive will kick-start a delayed decision to change jobs or find more time for themselves and family. But that doesn't usually happen to everyone, and certainly not right away.

Inward and outward attention

"Don't expect that in times of mass layoffs, employees will start asking for support or telling you what's on their minds," says psychologist and psychotherapist Martina Mikeskova. No one wants to point out their currently lower work pace, contradict their boss or remind them that their school-age child is sick.

But that doesn't mean your current employees don't need your support. Quite the opposite. More than ever, it pays to pay attention to psychological well-being and safety in the workplace. How to get started?

Don't just go through layoffs, especially when multiple people are leaving. Keep the company informed about what's happening around major layoffs. At the team level, this applies to every layoff, even individual ones.

What happened? Transparently describe why the layoffs happened.
Reassure. Address the question of whether more layoffs are coming.
Remind them of the safeguards. Show what remains the same in the team and in the company and what employees can rely on.

Managers and HR: How are you?

I should have... I could have... What if we tried again...? As a manager, you are in a challenging situation: you are making decisions about firing colleagues. You're tearing apart the bonds they've formed with other team members. You're putting them in a life situation that takes a huge toll on their self-worth, personal relationships and family budget. In such a role, it's easy to succumb to regrets that you could and should have done something more and better.

Psychologist and psychotherapist Zuzana Donathova recommends being forgiving to yourself:

"The important thing is to be able to say to yourself:
I acted politely, sensitively, professionally within the situation. That's enough."

She also recommends that you ask yourself regularly how you are feeling. It's to be expected that you will notice crankiness, overwhelm, confusion, fatigue, irritation, or anger in yourself. But it is important to notice positive emotions as well. Even in a stressful time, it's okay to experience joy, relief, fun, interest, enthusiasm or love.