Not sure what to say to a coworker who got laid off? It’s a tough moment—for them, and sometimes for you, too. But a thoughtful message can go a long way.
Layoffs are more than just a professional setback—they can hit deep on a personal level. It’s not only about a loss of income; it can also impact a person’s sense of identity, stability, and connection.
“Layoffs often feel like a severance, a disconnection from our peers,” says Dawid Wiącek, a career and communication coach. “We spent many of our waking hours with them, in those spaces—virtual or physical.”
That’s why it’s so thoughtful to reach out and say something, even to coworkers you weren’t close to. A short, kind message can offer more comfort than you realize. “Especially now, when layoffs feel so much worse—because of AI job replacement, because of the sociopolitical environment, because of the tight job market—acknowledging other people’s experience—and potential pain—is all the more important,” Wiącek says.
By acknowledging their departure, they may feel seen, heard, and still connected to you. In this article, we’ll explore what to say to a coworker who got laid off—so you can offer real support and be the kind of colleague people remember long after the job ends.
The dos and don'ts of saying goodbye to a laid-off coworker
Reaching out to laid-off coworkers can feel awkward at first, but doing so with empathy and respect can make a meaningful difference. The key is to be human, not perfect. Here are some guidelines to help you say the right thing (and avoid the wrong ones).
What you should do
- Reach out directly. While a quick group message might seem easier, a heartfelt message sent privately can feel more meaningful.
- Be specific if you’re offering help. Instead of saying, “Let me know if I can help,” say something like, “I’d be happy to introduce you to my friend who works in your field” or “Would a LinkedIn endorsement from me be helpful?”
- Validate their feelings. You don’t need to be profound—saying “This sucks, and I’m sorry you’re going through it” is often more supportive than overly optimistic clichés.
- Keep the door open. “If you truly don’t know what to say to a coworker who got laid off, you might say something like: ‘I’m thinking of you during this time of transition. You don’t need to respond…just know that I’m here for you should you wish to talk,’” Wiącek says. Being honest and giving them space shows respect and kindness.
What you shouldn’t do
- Avoid empty clichés. Phrases like “Everything happens for a reason” or “You’ll bounce back in no time” can unintentionally dismiss the reality of what they’re going through.
- Don’t compare their situation to others. Even if you’re trying to be helpful—“My cousin got laid off and now has a better job!”—it might make them feel rushed or unseen.
- Don’t make it about your own guilt. If you survived the layoff, it’s natural to have complex feelings, but try not to center your message around your own stress or relief. This moment is definitely not about you.
- Don’t assume how they feel. “Assuming that it’s a painful experience is one of the worst mistakes people make,” Wiącek says. Some people feel devastated, yes—but others might feel relief, uncertainty, or nothing at all. “It may take them long to really process and acknowledge their own feelings about it, so don’t put words into their minds or mouths,” he says.
How to reach out: Choosing the right channels and timing
A thoughtful message to a coworker who got laid off can offer real comfort, but it’s also important to be mindful of timing, tone, and the platform you choose. Knowing how and when to reach out can make a big difference.
Prefer a personal channel
A quick message via text, email, or a LinkedIn DM is usually best. Avoid using work tools (like Slack or a company email address) if their access might be cut off or monitored. A laid-off coworker might not even see it—and if they do, it may feel impersonal.
Keep it short and sincere
If you’re not especially close or unsure how they’re feeling, a short message to your coworker who got laid off can still mean a lot. “Some people are so overwhelmed or surprised or paralyzed by the job loss, they don’t even know where to start,” Wiącek says. So a few kind words—especially something specific about what they did well—might help them process the situation or even update their resume or LinkedIn.
Consider their emotional state
“Give people time to process it,” Wiącek says. Not everyone will be ready to chat or accept help right away. Some folks jump into job searching immediately. Others need time to grieve—and grief can look like withdrawal, distraction, or silence. That’s OK. “Job loss-depression is real,” he says. “Tread gently.”
Offer more when it feels right
If you were closer with the person or they’ve expressed they’re struggling, a longer note or follow-up support can make a real impact. Think: Sending over job leads, offering to review their resume, or even just inviting them out for a snack or a walk.
“You might also check in with them and offer to go to the park, see a movie, grab a snack, and bring over yummy food,” Wiącek says. Not everything has to be professional support—sometimes the most helpful gestures are simply human.
Message templates: What to say to a coworker who got laid off
It’s OK to feel stuck trying to write a message to a coworker who got laid off. It’s a tough moment—for them and for you—and knowing what to say can feel like walking a tightrope between personal, professional, and respectful.
To help, we’ve put together real-world examples of what to say to a coworker who was laid off depending on your relationship and what you’d like to express. (Feel free to personalize these, but don’t overthink it—simple and sincere always works best.)
Example #1: Supportive and kind—for a close colleague
I just heard the news, and I’m honestly heartbroken. Working with you has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time here—you’ve been not only a brilliant teammate but a real friend. I’ve learned so much from you, and I’ll miss our chats, our inside jokes, and just having you around every day. Please know that I’m 100% here for you, whether you need someone to look over your resume, send introductions, or just grab a coffee and talk it out. I know this is hard, but I also know you’ve got something amazing coming next.
Example #2: Professional and respectful—for an acquaintance or work connection
I was sorry to hear about the layoffs. I really appreciated working with you and hope you land somewhere great soon. Wishing you all the best in what’s next—happy to connect if I can help in any way, like recommendations or networking.
Example #3: Gratitude-focused—when they’ve helped you personally
I’m so sorry about the layoffs. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for everything you’ve taught me. You’ve made such a difference in my experience here, and I’ve learned a lot from working with you. I hope we stay in touch—any team would be lucky to have you.
Example #4: Encouraging and forward-looking—for someone actively job hunting
I was sorry to hear about the layoffs. You’ve always been one of the most talented people on this team, and I’ve got no doubt you’ll land somewhere even better. If you ever want to talk job stuff or want me to pass along your info, I’m here!
Example #5: Short and sincere—when you’re unsure what to say
I’m sorry to hear about the news. I really enjoyed working with you and wish you the best with whatever comes next.
If they don’t reply—what now?
It can feel disheartening to send a thoughtful message to a coworker who got laid off and never hear back. But here’s the thing: Their silence isn’t about you. Losing a job can be emotionally and logistically overwhelming, and many people simply aren’t in a place to respond right away—or at all.
“Assume nothing,” Wiącek says. “If you really care and have the bandwidth, feel free to check in every couple of weeks or even once a month. But don’t assume that a lack of response means that they are not reading your email or that they do not care about your offer to help.”
Your message might be sitting in their inbox as a small source of comfort, even if they haven’t acknowledged it.
If you feel like following up, you can—especially if your first message included an offer to help, or if you just want to reopen the door. Just do it gently. Keep it low-pressure and kind. For example:
“Hey [Name], just wanted to say I’m still thinking of you and sending good vibes. I know this may not be the right time, and there’s no pressure to respond—but if you ever want to chat or need anything, I’m here.”
Ultimately, showing up for a laid-off coworker isn’t about getting a reply. It’s about offering a moment of connection and giving them the space they may not even realize they need.
How to support laid-off coworkers beyond words
Saying the right thing when a coworker is laid off is important, but actions speak just as loudly. A kind message can mean a lot at the moment, but real support often comes in what you do next.
- Make introductions. Offer to connect them with people in your network, especially hiring managers or folks in their industry. Even a quick “Thought you two should meet” email can open big doors.
- Write an endorsement. Leaving a LinkedIn recommendation or offering to be a reference shows future employers that they left on good terms and with strong relationships intact. It only takes a few minutes but can make a big impact.
- Boost their updates. If they post that they’re job hunting, like it, comment, and reshare it. It helps them reach a wider audience—and also shows you're standing behind them.
- Invite them in. Whether it’s a Slack community, an alumni network, or a weekly virtual coffee chat, staying in the loop matters. Layoffs can be isolating, so pulling someone back into your circle helps more than you think.
- Follow up—more than once. Support isn’t a one-and-done thing. Check in after a week. Then a month. Ask how they’re doing, if they’ve had any leads, or if there’s anything new you can help with.
Showing up in small, thoughtful ways tells them you care—and that they’re not going through this alone. And honestly, helping a talented, kind person bounce back feels good, too.