Job security is something most of us take for granted. So even when it's our coworkers who lose their jobs, it still takes a harsh toll on us. If you need help dealing with how to cope when coworkers lose their jobs, here are some suggestions.
STEP 1:
Talk about it. It's never good to keep your feelings bundled up inside. If you're a man, it will be especially hard, but you need to talk about the job losses that are happening around you. Talk about the good aspects of your coworker who was fired (and save the negativity for other situations - now is not the time). You will deal with the loss much quicker and more fully if you can talk through it with other friends and coworkers.
STEP 2:
Approach your supervisor. If you have the type of supervisor who you can approach with your problems and concerns, consider approaching your supervisor to talk about your coworker's job loss. Tell him that you're really struggling with it, and he will surely offer you support and encouragement. Regardless of position, everyone has feelings and is affected when another coworker loses a job, so your boss will most likely be grieving too.
STEP 3:
Support your coworker. Just because your coworker lost his job doesn't mean you still can't be friends. Now, more than ever, he probably needs your support as he begins his job search again. Keep in touch with your coworker friend by telephone, internet social groups like Facebook, or through email. Offer your support and don't treat him any differently than you would if he were still your coworker. Right now he needs to feel supported and doing so will likely help you through the process of dealing with a coworker's job loss.
STEP 4:
Value your other coworkers. Employee morale is often low after job cuts and layoffs, and hopefully your business or organization will recognize this and prove that they still value other employees. If that's not the case, then consider organizing an employee morale event on your own. Put up some posters advertising a family bowling night, pizza and wings after work, or an afternoon of golf. Employees need to get together to talk and communicate after a valued coworkers loses his job, and you may have to take this responsibility on yourself.
STEP 5:
Continue to do your job. As hard as it may be, you still need to continue with your own job. Get back into a daily routine at work as soon as possible. Don't think of it as being disrespectful to your fallen coworker. He doesn't want you to lose your job too, so continue to do your job so that no one will be coping with your job loss too.
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