I caught up with a client last week who with much sadness informed that he had just been made redundant. He is a talented senior executive who spent 17 years with this organisation and it was a shock and unexpected. As the economy changes unfortunately redundancies are becoming more real.
Being made redundant can be a stressful time for anyone. The following points can help you if your position is affected:
- Speak to your family and friends and reach out for support. A lot of people’s identity is tied to their work so take stock of how you are feeling and give yourself time to adjust.
- Use the opportunity to consider a change or retrain? It could be a good time for a change in workplace, industry, further study or change of career all together.
- Reach out to professionals who offer services on job hunting, resume writing or just to see what your options are.
- Always try looking forward at what is next for you, not backward.
- Use the time to have a break and some downtime if this is an option before you start looking for work. Once you step into a new role it might be full steam ahead again.
- Consider a temporary or contract role. This can get you working quickly, open up opportunities and help fill in some time while you look for the right opportunity longer term.
- As hard as it can be, don’t take it personally as it’s a business decision where the role has been made redundant, not you.
If you are an employer making redundancies across an organisation, it is important to recognise this is going to be a tough and emotional time for employees. Ensure you follow the correct processes, providing support and looking after those affected is highly recommended. This includes making sure you have a strong employee assistance program in place and look to offer outplacement services. Outplacement services will come at a small price however can help get the employee move forward and back into a role.
Mikahla Smith
Executive Consultant – Group Solutions
Mikahla began her career working for a small business consulting firm before joining Optimum Consulting in 2010 as a Consultant. She has since gained over 10 years’ experience in the industry and over this time has held a number of leadership roles (both onshore and offshore) and is currently an Executive Consultant – Group Solutions.