Surviving redundancy – 15 practical tips to support you

Being made redundant is tough. I’ve been through it twice myself, and I’ve supported hundreds of people through it in my HR and coaching career.

So, I thought I’d share some tips to help you navigate this transition, covering the financials, getting the support you need, and other practical things to consider before you finish up.

Let’s Talk Money

Once your redundancy is confirmed in writing (including your final day), here are some things to check:

  • Employment Agreement & Redundancy Policy: Review your contract and any company policy to see if you’re eligible for a redundancy payment.
  • Annual Leave: Check if you have unused annual leave that will be paid out. This can give your finances a boost. (If you’ve taken leave in advance, you may need to repay it – so be aware.)
  • Bonus Scheme: If your organisation offers bonuses, check the fine print and ask whether you’re eligible for a pro-rata payment if the financial year hasn’t ended yet.
  • Other Entitlements: Look into other benefits such as Long Service Leave – if you’re close to qualifying, ask if your employer might honour it.
  • Short-Term Projects: If you’re open to staying on a bit longer, ask if there are any short-term projects that could extend your end date and provide additional income.

Getting the Support You Need

Here are five ways to make sure you’re getting the support you need:

  • Talk to Someone: Reach out to family, friends, or others who’ve been through redundancy. You don’t have to go through it alone.
  • Ask Your Organisation: Find out what support is available at work – this could include an Employee Assistance Programme or outplacement services to help with your career transition.
  • Get Feedback: Ask someone from HR, Talent Acquisition, or a colleague who’s recently job-hunted to review your CV or LinkedIn profile and give you practical suggestions.
  • Join a Supportive Community: Look for online groups or local meetups for job seekers. These can be great for networking and emotional support.
  • Consider Career Coaching: There are many excellent providers online. I also offer a range of services here – and if I’m not the right fit, I’ll help you find someone who is.

Final Steps Before You Leave

And finally, here are some practical tips to help you leave well:

  • Ask for References: Reach out to your current or former leaders for a written reference (if your organisation provides them) and get their contact details for future job applications.
  • Stay Connected: Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn or other platforms, or exchange contact details to keep in touch.
  • Capture Your Achievements: Write down your role dates and key accomplishments while they’re fresh. This will be invaluable for updating your CV and preparing for interviews.
  • Network Strategically: Meet with well-connected colleagues in your target industry/companies and ask for introductions – e.g., a 3-way email to a manager or HR contact.
  • Leave Well: Be proud of what you’ve achieved, even if the ending was tough. And don’t burn bridges – New Zealand is a small market.

I offer a range of outplacement and career coaching services to support you through this important transition.  Please check my Career Coaching page on this website, where you can book a free, no-obligation discovery to call.  Take care.

This information is provided with the sole intention of providing general information only.  We make no warranty nor assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or use of any information on this article.  The content of this article should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.  You agree to use this article at your own risk.

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