Surviving the cut: What do you do when your coworkers get laid off?

1. Are you acknowledging the impact?  

The whirlwind of emotions experienced by survivors is associated with ‘survivor syndrome’. The first step in navigating it is to acknowledge your feelings and the challenges ahead of you.   

• Reflect on your feelings in the current context: emotional turmoil, uncertainty, awkward social dynamics, and performance pressures. Acknowledging your feelings will help gain clarity and avoid suppressing emotions which, if unaddressed, can compound over time. 
• Identify which challenges feel most daunting. This will help prioritize the issues to attend to and avoid inertia.   
• Journaling, speaking with trusted colleagues, and seeking guidance from a mentor or coach will help you process and prioritize your challenges.  

2. Have you assessed the new reality?  

Take stock of your current reality and evaluate what emotions you, your team, and the workplace at large are feeling. Ask yourself:   

• What does the organization look like now?   
• Who remains, in what roles, and how has the dynamic shifted within my team and overall organization?   
• How has your role changed? What is the new job to be done? What are the implications for you?  

3. How will you reposition yourself?  

Upheaval often creates opportunities to innovate or contribute in new ways to the organization. Consider your personal value proposition, the (new) strategic direction, and the emerging organizational setup. Ask yourself:  

• What renewed skills and values can you contribute?   
• Are there opportunities to take on new challenges or responsibilities that align with your ambitions?   
• Are there specific skills that will position you for growth in a different role or team?  

4. How will you rebuild?  

Once you’ve identified how to reposition yourself, move from reflection to action. Create a plan for your next 30 days with concrete, manageable goals that will help you regain a sense of agency and purpose. This might include the following actions:  

• Setting priorities for reshaping your role or repositioning yourself.  
• Engaging with decision-makers to signal your short and long-term aspirations.  
• Building relationships with new stakeholders who can support you.  
• Securing quick wins that demonstrate your value and build momentum.