In today’s workplace, layoffs are no longer rare—they’re a reality many employees have seen up close or have experienced themselves.
On LinkedIn, the posts seem endless, each one paired with the now-familiar “Open to Work” banner. Or even more jarring: a coworker’s Slack avatar is green one minute and grayed out the next—before disappearing altogether.
When a teammate is suddenly let go, the instinct is often to comfort them, respond thoughtfully—say the right thing, offer support, and help them feel less alone. But in the emotional blur that follows a layoff, even well-intentioned comments can land poorly, and certain reactions can unintentionally make the moment harder.
So how do you genuinely show up for a colleague or friend who’s just been laid off—without overstepping, fumbling the moment, or offering advice that does more harm than good?
Do ask: How can I help you?
According to organizational psychologist Erica Pieczonka, many of us have a reflex when someone we care about is going through a hard time. We jump straight into fix-it mode: “Something bad happened—let me give you a solution.”
But sometimes, people don’t need advice at all. They just need someone to listen, Pieczonka explained.
Maryland-based Stefanie Magness, who was laid off in 2019 from her role in public affairs, echoed this perspective. “If you know someone who is experiencing a layoff, resist the urge to offer advice or solutions. Just be there,” she said. “Sit in the room together or bring a meal for them. Even a text that says ‘I’m thinking of you’ can mean the world to someone who feels like their life is unraveling.”
