Redundancy

Redundancy can be one of the most distressing events an employee can experience and should be a last resort. It requires sensitive handling by the employer to ensure fair treatment of redundant employees as well as the morale of the remaining workforce. Redundancy legislation and case law is complex, and employers must understand their obligations, including employees' rights and the correct procedures to follow.

Redundancy is a special form of dismissal which happens when an employer needs to reduce the size of its workforce.

• The employer has ceased, or intends to cease, continuing the business, or
• The requirements for employees to perform work of a specific type, or to conduct it at the location in which they are employed, has ceased, or diminished, or are expected to do so.
• If there is a genuine redundancy, employers must follow a correct procedure and make redundancy and notice period payments.

For a few redundancy may come as a relief: the opportunity to make a positive change, to reflect or embark on a change in direction.

For the majority it brings uncertainty, anxiety, worry and confusion. 

Futures are threatened and the comfort of a certain path forward is lost. It is a time of stress, and for anyone already experiencing poor mental health, the loss of a job is almost certain to exacerbate symptoms.

Individuals have reported many reactions to redundancy including:

Some helpful pointers (for now):

1. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself time

• If you have been made redundant then it is important to give yourself time to process what has happened. 
• Rather than rush into a new job search, stop and think about what you are feeling. 
• Don’t try and fight your emotions but acknowledge them, name them and talk about them. 
• Understand that you are working through the stages of the grief curve and consider whether your feelings at that moment can be mapped against the five stages of the grief curve which results from loss: shock, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. 
• Before moving on, it is important to stop and really think about the emotional impact of your loss.

2. Connect with people

• Do your best not to become isolated and instead talk to friends, family, or colleagues about what you have experienced.
• Talking therapy can also help, particularly with professionals who are trained in both counselling and coaching.
• They can support you in exploring your feelings before coaching you through the practicalities and options for moving forward.

3. Reframe your experience

• Try to remember that the decision to make you redundant is unlikely to be personal: it is your job role that is no longer required, not your skills or personal qualities.
• Factors out of your control, including the pandemic, have played a significant part in employers’ need to reduce the size of their organisation. 
• The pandemic has forced businesses to close or to radically change the way in which they are working.

4. Challenge your critical voice

• If the redundancy has led to lower level of self-esteem, then challenge that inner voice, the voice which might be telling you that you are poor at what you do or of less worth.
• Self-esteem is the opinion we have of ourselves and if you already have low self-esteem then redundancy can reinforce the belief that you are not good enough. Be kind to yourself.
• Your job is only part of you, so try to think about what else makes you who you are. What do you like doing? Are you a mother, brother, aunt, or uncle? Do you have pets? 
• Your job is not your only identity. 
• You are part of a family, part of a community, part of a friendship group as well as part of an organisation.

5. Look to your future

• When you have given yourself time to process what has happened and have grieved the loss of your job, start to think about your future.
• This is where a professional may be able to support you in thinking about what you really want going forward.
• Give yourself time and space to think about other areas of life which could be enhanced.
• If you have time and the financial means, then think about retraining or volunteering.
• Maybe look for a lower paid, part time job to free up time and learn a new skill.
• It is always helpful to consider your future within the context of your personal values. 
• Values determine behaviours that motivate you and guide decisions. 
• When thinking about any life change, it is important to recognise and acknowledge these values and ensure that you are acting towards and within them.
• Think about your goals for the short, medium, and long term and be clear about how you will know when you have achieved them. 
• What will your life look like in 6 months, 1 year and 5 years?

6. Look after yourself

• Redundancy will often be difficult and giving yourself time to process the change before thinking about the future is essential. 
• Looking after your wellbeing will help. Self-care techniques such as exercise, sleep, nutrition and mindfulness can manage symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• Physical activity and being outdoors can boost your mood and improve mental health.
• Eating fresh fruit and vegetables, sticking to regular mealtimes, choosing foods that release energy and cutting down caffeine intake, alcohol and sugary foods are all recommended. 
• Sleep is critical. Try to avoid electronic devices before bed and stick to a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same times throughout the week.
• Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever you’re doing in a given moment.
• It is about being free from distraction and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.
• The process of redundancy can be hard so give yourself time to work through the loss of your job before jumping into a new search. 
• Acknowledge how you feel and stay connected to family and friends: you are not alone, there are people who can help and support you.