layoffs could suck a little less.

I don’t believe there’s a way to make a layoff pain-free. But I do think companies can make the experience suck a little less.

By the time they happen, things have already gone too far, and being let go against your choice is always going to hurt.

But even then, companies still get a chance to show a little care.

It’s been a year and a bit since I was laid off, and while I definitely didn’t love the experience, I’m not upset at my former company.

Some parts hurt more than others—getting locked out of Slack before I could say goodbye to my team was tough—but at no point did I feel like they were making decisions lightly.

The settlement agreement felt thoughtful. Details like a business grant and coaching budget made a real difference in helping me figure out my next steps.

More than that, those details somewhat reflected the company’s values and felt aligned with the creative, entrepreneurial, and caring space I had been a part of.

Layoffs impact people. But they’re also made by people.

And adding a little extra care makes a difference. It acknowledges people’s impact, shows appreciation, and helps them get clarity on what’s next.

Companies won’t get everything right, and layoffs will always have big consequences.

But when you’re letting go of the very people who kept things running just moments ago—the least you can do is more than the bare minimum.

It doesn’t change what’s happening, but when everything else feels like it’s crumbling, some thoughtful details can be something to hold on to—and people who feel valued will have an easier time moving on.

about the author:

Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.