sacked colleagues. How to respond?

Post Reply New Topic

Hi. One of my colleagues got sacked a few hours ago (due to cutback). My brain says that it is bad for the person (but I dont feel it). Any idears how to help her trough the time? On how (in generel) should I responds? Like nothing have happen, hug her?

It's a very awkward situation. If you are the kind of person who gives hugs, and you know her well enough, then a hug and saying how sorry you are would be appropriate. It might be difficult for her, having lost her job, to take sympathy from people who still have theirs. A lot depends on her own personality and way of dealing with things.

Be brief and decent. Dont' try and pull a reaction from her and feel like it's your due. Whatever reaction she has is fine.

And it's fine if you either intellectually or emotionally understand her situation. You don't necessarily need both.

Maybe just briefly tell her, I'm sorry about your job. You're a good co-worker. I'll know you'll get another one soon.

Yeah, you can express sympathy and best wishes on finding a new job.

Don't be offended if she's a little upset, it's hard to hear sympathy from someone who gets to keep their job. Understand it's not personal at you though.