COVID has not only wreaked havoc on our economy but nearly 750,000 people have lost their job in the UK as a result. You have more than likely heard of a friend or loved one who has lost their job due to the pandemic it’s hard to remain positive and optimistic during these trying times. In this blog, we are going to be talking you through how you can find the silver lining and support those who have lost their job.
Simply listen
A common reaction to bad news is to downplay the seriousness of the problem or act as if it's not a big deal, this can only exacerbate a person's frustration instead simply listen.
Listening is arguable the most important and so often overlooked but learning an ear to someone who is going through tough times can really help. It can be hard for people to open up especially when they feel they have been treated unfairly but open yourself up and listen to what they have to say and let them vent.
Offer to help
There are lots of things you can do to help someone going through job loss, for example, you can offer to help brainstorm potential job opportunities, help rework their CV and encourage them to make a list of skills they have and jobs that would be suited to them. Job hunting is hard enough to throw in a global pandemic and a recession and it may seem impossible. It is important that you stay positive offer encouragement.
Emotional support
There is no feeling quite like leaving a job especially if it wasn't through choice for example redundancy or furlough. There is a lot of emotions that come with it, fear of finding a new job, uncertainty about the future and even depression and anxiety. In some cases, an individual may even be embarrassed about being laid off. Offering emotional support is vital for maintaining good mental health.
Keep up
Support is an ongoing process. It doesn't simply stop when they get an interview. Ensure that you aren't forgetting to check in often. Make sure you are asking about their needs, what you can do to help them in the long run. It's easy to forget about a situation if it's not you going through it, help them feel cared for, remember to include them in social situations and be sensitive to pick up the tab and make them feel included.
Don’t feel guilty
With so many people losing their jobs it's easy to feel guilty if yours is going great. You may feel some version of survivor guilt to those who have lived through circumstances that proved fatal to others. You may fear that they blame or resent you, and you may also fear associating yourself too closely out of some irrational fear of experiencing a similar fate.
Identify these feelings early on and reduce the power they have on you. When you see yourself as someone who steps up in difficult times, you are no longer paralyzed by helplessness and guilt in the face of crisis.
We offer help and support for this circumstance. Get in touch with us for help and advice.
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