Layoffs are a harsh reality for many companies, leaving deep emotional scars on those who were cut off and those who remained. Layoff survivor’s guilt is an unsettling feeling that can affect many retained employees, leaving them feeling overwhelmed or confused when their colleagues face unemployment. Learn more about this complex feeling and ways to help you navigate this challenging event.

What does layoff survivor’s guilt mean?

Also known as workplace survivor syndrome, layoff survivor’s guilt refers to the feeling that remaining employees may experience after a layoff. Although you’re likely relieved to keep your job and a steady income, you may feel guilty for coworkers who got laid off and fear for what’s to come in the future.

The stress of going through this experience can drastically affect employees. Around 74% of workers who survived a layoff said their productivity has declined. 

5 common experiences of surviving employees

Even if you’re uncomfortable about talking about your feelings to other remaining employees, the survivor’s guilt will show in many ways, including:

1. Confusion

Survivors might feel conflicting emotions, such as relief, guilt, anger and fear. This emotional conflict can elicit confusion about how you should feel and respond. You’re experiencing confusion if you find yourself asking the following questions:

• How did I make it when others didn’t?
• Is it wrong to feel relieved for keeping my job and guilty for my coworkers who lost theirs?
• How do I deal with the uncertainty of my job security?
• Are my feelings valid, or am I just overreacting?

2. Increased workload

Employees panic, thinking they’ll take on the workload of the laid-off employees. You may feel the pressure to go above and beyond, believing that better performance would increase your chances of being retained in the organisation. 

3. Less productive

The collective trauma caused by layoffs can affect the morale and productivity of retained employees. In the aftermath, you might feel distracted, restless or uneasy at the office. This can lead to distrust throughout the organisation as workers wonder where their company’s loyalties lie.

4. Impostor syndrome

You may experience self-doubt, questioning whether you deserve to be maintained in your position. This can manifest as impostor syndrome — a feeling where you feel like a fraud despite your achievements and contributions to the company. With over 670,000 monthly Google searches of the phrase, many people might be feeling inadequate at work.

5. Fear of being laid off 

You may become more hyper-aware of your job security, fearing you will be laid off next. After layoffs, companies might struggle to maintain a culture of high trust and care. In fact, culture is one of the top three influencers on employee job satisfaction. When you feel dissatisfied with the current culture or scared of being laid off, you might constantly feel anxious about your future in the company.

How to cope with the layoff guilt

Here are a few ways to deal with your complex feelings after layoffs at your company.

• Embrace your feelings. Give yourself time to process your feelings. You can connect with a colleague who’s experiencing the same feeling or talk with your manager about the mental health effects you’re going through.
• Remember your purpose. A study found that 70% of workers said their work defines their sense of purpose. A layoff’s aftermath is the ideal time to remind yourself of what you love about your job. Maybe you feel passionate about the work or the growth opportunities in the company. Keeping your motivation at heart can help you keep moving forward.
• Set boundaries. Talk with your supervisor if the increased workload is affecting your wellness. Discuss the number of projects you can realistically manage without negatively impacting your mental health and productivity.
• Stay connected with previous coworkers. Reach out to a former coworker who was laid off and offer encouragement. If possible, offer to be a reference or provide positive feedback on their performance to help reinforce a sense of camaraderie and support.

How long does layoff survivor’s guilt last?

How long an employee feels survivor’s guilt can vary from person to person. People have different levels of emotional resilience and coping mechanisms. However, a survivor’s guilt is usually associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can last for three years or longer for some people.

Conquer feelings of guilt

Understanding the nature of survivor’s guilt after layoffs and ways to manage it can help you work through your complex emotions and emerge stronger. If the feeling is affecting your daily activities, seek professional help immediately.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.

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