With rising costs and a challenging economy intensifying, businesses across the country are examining their cost bases and strategising their next steps. For many, this has resulted in the decision to implement drastic measures such as redundancies. 

And with the mass redundancies at Twitter on Friday, more people are now having to cope with the stress of being made redundant.

In acknowledgement of International Stress Awareness Week (7th–11th October), wellness brand Goodrays want to spotlight the rising figures of redundancies in the UK and share their top tips for managing the stress behind it. 

According to the Office for National Statistics, the recorded level of redundancies from September – November 2020 was at its highest since records began in 1995, at 402,000. 

And although the numbers have been steadily declining ever since, the most recent study shows that the redundancy rate has slightly risen over the past three months, suggesting that it may continue to climb as employers look for ways to cut costs.

With this in mind and to help those who have been made redundant or are at risk of redundancy, the founder of Goodrays, Eoin Keenan, has shared some tips. 

Don’t rush 

Being made redundant can be surprising for many, so giving yourself plenty of time to come to terms with the situation and your feelings is crucial. It’s important to be kind to yourself and acknowledge any stress that you may experience and any emotional assistance you may need.

Let your family and friends support you 

Although it may be the last thing you want to do because you feel ashamed, talking with your closest friends and family about the situation and your feelings will help make things more bearable. They may even have a plan or idea that you hadn’t thought of; after all, they’ll be the people that know you best.

Reassess your career goals 

Redundancy can allow you to evaluate your abilities, talents, and experiences and open up the opportunity for you to make any changes to your professional life. 

If your previous employment left you feeling worn out, pressured, or on the verge of burnout, changing your career path can allow you to reevaluate your work/life balance.

Focus on moving forward

Searching for a new job can feel intimidating and sometimes overwhelming, especially if you have lost your confidence due to redundancy. It’s important to make sure your CV is current to position yourself for success. 

Spend some time thinking about your abilities and accomplishments from your previous employment and how you can apply them to your next job. 

Look after your mental health and well-being 

While looking for new jobs every day may be tempting, doing so will not benefit you. You risk neglecting your health and losing motivation by giving your job search your all. Prioritise self-care, give yourself enough rest, stay active, eat well and try CBD (such as gummies or oils). You might be surprised at how these little things can positively impact your mental health and wellness.