Six Steps to Help Your Recently Laid-Off Friends and Family Members

Supporting a close family member or friend who has been laid off can be a challenging process. Layoffs can be hard to deal with for entire families, both financially and emotionally. This is when everyone is shocked, and negative feelings such as anxiety or depression can often arise. For many, there is a sense of a loss of security, where their career path is uncertain, and their entire future has been completely flipped upside down, like a terrible car accident. However, there are steps you can take to help them through this difficult time. Here are a few ways to provide support to your family and friends who got recently laid off:

1. Listen and empathize: Listen and empathize with their feelings and emotions. Let them talk about their experience and feelings without judging or interrupting, and be there for them as a comforting presence and sounding board. If you cannot be with them physically, please check in via phone and text often to make sure they are okay.?
2. Offer practical help: Offer practical support, such as assisting with job searches, writing a reference letter, or connecting them with potential job leads. Try not to be overbearing, as that may overwhelm them, but step in if you see that they could benefit from your advice. Do not put too much pressure on them to find a job immediately, as that may be too much for them to handle initially.?
3. Help them stay connected: Help them stay connected with colleagues and friends, and encourage them to attend networking events and job fairs. Help them sign up for newsletters and emails that give them job recommendations and positions.?

4. Encourage them to take care of themselves: Encourage them to stay healthy both mentally and physically by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and going to therapy if needed. My friend walks with her husband after dinner every day, spending quality time with her each day even though she had a busy working day.?

5. Help them stay positive: Help them maintain a positive attitude by reminding them of their strengths and encouraging them to look a the situation as an opportunity for growth and change. This may allow them to discover a new career passion.?

6. Be there for them: Above all, ensure you are a supportive partner. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care. Be the foundation of their robust support system to help them through this difficult time.?

It's important to remember that the process of job loss can be a difficult journey and to be patient and supportive throughout the process. Please encourage them to seek professional help and remind them that this is not a failure but a temporary setback. Be their support system and make sure they don't feel alone. I want you to know that recovering from a layoff can be a long process, so please check in often and remain supportive and encouraging.

Your friend can apply for the 12-month free online and in-person group coaching. Pat and I will meet you via zoom three times. Saturday morning, we hike and mentor in the Saratoga Bay area.?Here is the link to apply:?