Redundancy: What 10 Tangible Steps You Can Proactively Take to Make Things etter

Ok, so your work environment is going through lots of change. You feel fearful - is your job next. Should you take voluntary redundancy or wait.

In psychology, this is what’s called anticipatory anxiety. When we’re constantly anxious over the unpredictability of when and where an event might take place, the fear of fear itself becomes the biggest problem. 

So here are 10 simple steps you can take to help give peace of mind. Studies have shown that the fear can significantly subside once there’s a resolution to the potential conflict or challenge.

1. Allow yourself reasonable time to grieve. Your job role was made redundant, not you, personally. 
2. Draft up a redundancy budget that reflects your new or possible circumstances.
3. Draw up a redundancy plan of action. Include realistic activities and all the ways you’ll look for a new job or start your own business. 
4. Start taking note of achievements and exciting or additional projects you’ve completed or been part of. This will help with CV writing and give you a working document to send when an opportunity pops up.
5. Consider some study. Doing this doesn’t mean you’ve wasted your skills. Employers look for breadth as well as depth of skill.
6. Utilise your companies free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or helpine like lifeline, it’s free and there for you!
7. Reach out to close colleagues, get their private details, ask them if they’re ok being a referee for you.
8. Be prepared to take an interim or project role while interviewing for a more permanent option and remain honest about your situation when asked. Contract roles are often extended or transition to permanent roles.
9. Check out what’s in the marketplace, connect with recruiters to understand the job market, what employers are looking for and what’s in demand. This will help with study and career decisions.
10. Draft up a Job Description for the role of getting a job: write down some daily habits and ways to measure your progress.This is proven to scientifically help keep depression at bay and boost dopamine and serotonin - the good feeling vibes from having achieved small tasks that help move the needle forward to success for you!

With a clear redundancy plan and budget, a can-do attitude, willingness to pivot and consider other opportunities along with a healthy desire to stay focused, you’re likely to not only come out of a redundancy surviving but thriving as your best you!