What do you say to an employee who has been made redundant?

Asked by: Mason Jacobi  |  Last update: June 27, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (60 votes)

A simple acknowledgment of your feelings is enough. You might say, “I just heard the news, I'm shocked and so sorry” or “How can I help right now?” You can always offer more support later. Try to respond privately and one-to-one—ideally, face-to-face or, if the employee has left the workplace, by phone.

What to say to someone who has been made redundant?

That you are sorry that they are leaving. That you hope everything works out well for them and its sad that they are going. Tell them that you have fingers crossed that they find a new role soon and that they will be happy there.

What do you write in a card for someone being made redundant?

General messages:

"It's been a pleasure working with you over the years, [colleague's name]. You've been a great colleague and friend. I'll miss having you around the office, but I know you'll do great things in your new role." "I'm so grateful for your friendship and support over the years, [colleague's name].

How do you respond to redundancy?

Redundancy or stand-downs can be a shock but try not to rush into any hasty decisions. What's important is how you react to the situation. Keep calm, don't panic and don't rush any decisions. Although you may have concerns about money, a quick fix may not be the best way forward in the long term.

How do you communicate redundancy to an employee?

Avoid brochures, web pages, and companywide emails and meetings. Employees don't count this as true communication. Instead, equip managers to speak with their employees face-to-face. Face-to-face is the most used, effective, trusted and quickest channel for announcing information, particularly in large organisations.

What to Do When Made Redundant

32 related questions found

How to tell staff they are being made redundant?

You can only give an employee notice of redundancy once you've finished consulting everyone and gone through the selection process. You should meet with each employee who's been at risk of redundancy. It's best to do this face to face, but if this is not possible, you should talk with them on a call.

What is an example of redundancy in communication?

One of the most important aspects of Effective Communication is avoiding redundancies. In quick definition, it is adding extra words/repeating words or phrases that do not add value to a sentence. For example, phrases like: “Can you please repeat that for me again?”

How to handle a redundancy conversation?

What to say in the redundancy notification meeting
  1. Introduction. Start professionally and get straight to the point. ...
  2. Reason for the redundancy. Explain the business reasons behind the decision. ...
  3. Information and support. ...
  4. Answer questions. ...
  5. Separation procedure. ...
  6. What happens next.

What to message a colleague who has been laid off?

Examples of what to say to someone who has been laid off
  • What can I do to help?
  • What do you need from me?
  • You are strong. I believe in you.
  • Do you want to meet up?
  • Would you like to talk about it?
  • I understand how you must be feeling. That has to be hard.
  • I'm so sorry. ...
  • How are you feeling?

What is the trauma of redundancy?

The experience of redundancy can be deeply traumatic, shaking one's sense of security and identity to the core. Suddenly finding yourself without a job, especially amid widespread layoffs, can trigger a range of emotional responses, from shock and disbelief to anger and grief.

How do you explain being made redundant?

Example Sample Answer: “I was part of a recent restructuring at my previous company, which unfortunately led to my position being made redundant. This decision was driven by [give detail as to the organisational changes or reasons which led to the change in your job situation].

What to say in a card when someone gets laid off?

Example 1: The Supportive Goodbye

"[Coworker's Name], I was heartbroken to hear about the layoff. Please know that this doesn't diminish the amazing work you've done here. Your dedication and creativity have always inspired me. If you need a listening ear or someone to brainstorm your next steps with, I'm here.

How do you say sorry about redundancy?

“We only just spoke last week, and now I hear that your role has been made redundant. I'm so sorry to hear that.

What to write in a card for someone being made redundant?

Leaving Card Messages

“It was nice working with you, good luck in the future.” “Thanks for everything and good luck in your next endeavours.” “Congratulations on the new job, all the best.” “Keep in touch!”

Should I tell employer I was made redundant?

Whether you have or have not directly addressed the gap in your employment on your application. You should expect to have to talk about it in interviews. You may want to address your redundancy early on, perhaps when asked to tell the interviewer more about yourself.

How to support a colleague who has been made redundant?

If you are concerned a colleague is struggling with the transition, make time to check in with them. Talk to them about what their next steps are, what are some things they might be able to do next, reinforce their strengths or help them with networking contacts”.

What to say when being made redundant?

State the reason why the redundancy occurred, share your successes in the role before your redundancy, then make a more positive comment on the opportunity it created for you and how you believe you could add value in this particular role.

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

Here's what not to say to someone in that position:
  • This doesn't mean the company didn't value you.
  • I'm sure you'll find a job soon.
  • This could be an opportunity for you.
  • This may be a good time to start your own business.
  • At least you're getting a buyout/severance.
  • You'll be fine.

How to help someone who has been made redundant?

9 ways to help employees facing redundancy
  1. Lending a laptop. ...
  2. Giving financial clarity. ...
  3. Providing a reference. ...
  4. Allowing time off for training or to search for a new job. ...
  5. Keeping their health insurance. ...
  6. Manager visibility. ...
  7. Signposting to helpful free resources. ...
  8. Saying goodbye.

What are the 5 stages of redundancy?

Basically, there are five main stages to consider during the redundancy process:
  • Stage 1: Preparation. ...
  • Stage 2: Selection. ...
  • Stage 3: Individual Consultation. ...
  • Stage 4: Notice of Redundancy and Appeals. ...
  • Stage 5: The Termination Process.

What questions to ask after being made redundant?

Ask why; why now; what are they hoping the redundancy or redundancies will achieve; what will happen to your duties and responsibilities; what alternatives have they considered? Make sure your concerns are known and make sure you obtain a response from your employer to your questions.

How do you stay positive after redundancy?

Redundancy is a difficult situation to be in, so allow yourself a moment to grieve before you bounce back. It might be helpful to remind yourself that you're not alone. Get support from your recruiter, your mentor and your friends and family who will help you keep positive and make your next step.

What is the best example of a redundant expression?

Collaborate / join / merge / combine together

Collaborate, merge, or combine all means that they will come together. The phrase above is redundant because it implies that there is another way to merge or collaborate.

How to tell staff about redundancy?

As soon as possible, you should tell ('inform') your employees that you're considering making redundancies. You should hold a meeting with all employees affected, not just those at risk of redundancy, where you explain: the risk of redundancy and the reason why it may be necessary.

What is double redundancy?

In reliability engineering, dual modular redundancy (DMR) is when components of a system are duplicated, providing redundancy in case one should fail. It is particularly applied to systems where the duplicated components work in parallel, particularly in fault-tolerant computer systems.