How to react to getting laid off?

What is typical severance pay for layoff?

Many employers use a simple rule of thumb: one to two weeks' pay for every year of service. Some companies offer more, however, particularly for more senior roles or for long service. Severance can come as a lump sum or installments, sometimes with extras like health coverage or outplacement services.

Who gets let go first during layoffs?

When layoffs happen, who goes first varies but often includes newer employees (last-in, first-out), underperformers, and those in non-essential or easily outsourced roles, though strategic shifts, high salaries, lack of new skills (like AI), and even middle management can be targeted, with companies balancing cost-cutting with future needs and legal compliance. 

What not to say during a layoff?

When firing someone, avoid saying "I'm sorry," "This is hard for me," "We're going in a different direction," or comparing them to others; instead, be direct but respectful, focusing on business reasons, documenting prior warnings, and clearly stating the decision, as phrases that sound apologetic or vague can create confusion and legal risk. Never make it a surprise for performance issues, don't make personal attacks, and avoid false hope or promises of future employment.
 

Why is getting laid off so traumatic?

Layoffs can absolutely be traumatic. Losing your job can also mean losing your sense of purpose, your daily structure, your financial stability, and your professional identity. Sometimes, it even means losing a community you've built over years.

What is the 3 month rule in a job?

The "3-month rule" in a job refers to the common probationary period where both employer and employee assess fit, acting as a trial to see if the role and person align before full commitment, often involving learning goals (like a 30-60-90 day plan) and performance reviews, allowing either party to end employment more easily, notes Talent Management Institute (TMI), Frontline Source Group, Indeed.com, and Talent Management Institute (TMI). It's a crucial time for onboarding, understanding expectations, and demonstrating capability, setting the foundation for future growth, says Talent Management Institute (TMI), inTulsa Talent, and Talent Management Institute (TMI). 

What not to say to someone who has been laid off?

You want to be supportive, and you have faith that the person will land firmly on their feet. But unless they explicitly say, “I'm scared I'm not going to be okay,” don't butt in with a “You'll be fine!” or anything similar. That phrase can come off as condescending or dismissive.

What to send someone who just got laid off?

Your friend or family member is going through a hard time, so why not give a gift that helps them rest and unwind? Candles, self-motivation books, bath salts, a favorite beverage (tea, coffee, wine!), or even a gift card to their favorite restaurant(s) might be just the thing that will give them the lift they need.

How to react when being made redundant?

Coping with redundancy

1. Know your rights.
2. Take stock of how you're feeling.
3. Manage your money.
4. Cope with uncertainty.
5. Keep busy, or take some time off.

What not to do after getting laid off?

There are things you should do when you're laid off. But there's also one thing you must not do: “Don't immediately sign anything the company asks you to,” says corporate veteran Colin McLetchie, president of Arlington, Va. -based professional coaching consultancy Five Ways Forward.

What is the #1 reason people get fired?

The #1 reason employees get fired is often cited as poor work performance or incompetence, encompassing failure to meet standards, low productivity, or poor quality work, but issues like misconduct, attendance problems (lateness/absenteeism), insubordination, violating company policies, and attitude problems (not being a team player, toxicity) are also primary drivers, often overlapping with performance. 

What are the 7 stages of job loss grief?

The core of our conversation centered around the emotional journey following job loss. This is a process strikingly similar to the seven stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, reconstruction, and renewal.

What are the 5 stages of job loss?

Melnick invoked Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' “Five Stages of Grief”: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, as a way to understand why a job loss can be so devastating.

What is the 555 rule for anxiety?

The "555 rule" for anxiety refers to a deep breathing technique: inhale slowly for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and exhale slowly for 5 seconds, repeating to calm your nervous system. It's a simple grounding method to shift focus from anxious thoughts to your body's rhythms, helping to reset your mind and bring you back to the present moment.
 

Is being laid off worse than being fired?

It's very important for workers to determine the nature of their termination – between being laid off vs. getting fired. The reason for the fact is that it affects their eligibility to get future jobs. More specifically, workers who get laid off can get jobs more easily compared to those who got fired.

What are the red flags for layoffs?

Key public red flags include deteriorating financial results, hiring slowdowns, cost-cutting drives, structural shake-ups, and even news rumors.

What is the 30-60-90 rule for managers?

A 30-60-90 day plan for a new manager is a roadmap breaking the first three months into phases: Days 1-30 (Learn) focus on meeting the team, understanding processes, and company culture; Days 31-60 (Contribute) involve applying knowledge, taking on projects, and starting to provide feedback; and Days 61-90 (Lead) shift towards execution, long-term planning, coaching, and demonstrating ownership. It provides structure, aligns goals with the organization, and builds credibility by showing initiative.
 

What is a silent quitter?

A quiet quitter is an employee who fulfills their core job duties but stops going "above and beyond," refusing extra tasks, overtime, or work outside their description, essentially quitting the idea of overachieving without actually resigning. This behavior stems from burnout, job dissatisfaction, or feeling undervalued, leading them to set firm boundaries and prioritize work-life balance by doing the minimum required to keep their salary, notes Paychex and Simpplr. 

Do good employees get laid off?

High performers are not necessarily safe from layoffs. The misconception that job performance is a shield against layoffs can often be misleading for high performers. As mentioned earlier, the need for swift budget cuts may lead to layoffs where even the best employees have to be let go.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The "3-month rule" in jobs usually refers to a probationary period, a standard trial phase (often 90 days) where employers assess a new hire's performance, skills, and cultural fit before granting permanent status, with easier termination for both parties during this time. It also signifies a common benchmark for new employees to feel truly productive and settled, understanding new tools, teams, and company dynamics. It allows companies to evaluate fit and employees to learn the ropes, often impacting benefits eligibility and job security until completed.
 

What month do most layoffs occur?

Historic trends , data consistently shows December and January have the most layoffs of any months.