The psychological impact of making redundancies

While the full extent of the financial damage caused by COVID-19 is still unknown, redundancy rates are expected to increase over coming months. This article explores the potential negative psychological impacts on those carrying out the redundancy process, and how to mitigate them.

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

Reviewed by

Rebecca Peters, Research Adviser, CIPD

Rebecca joined the Research team in 2019, specialising in the area of health and wellbeing at work as both a practitioner and a researcher. Before joining the CIPD Rebecca worked part-time at Kingston University in the Business School research department, where she worked on several research-driven projects. Additionally, Rebecca worked part-time at a health and wellbeing consultancy where she facilitated various wellbeing workshops, both externally and in-house.

Rebecca has a master’s degree in Occupational Psychology from Kingston University, where she conducted research on Prison Officers’ resilience and coping strategies. The output of this research consisted of a behavioural framework which highlighted positive and negative strategies that Prison Officers used in their daily working life.

More on this topic

Bitesize research

Pay cuts as an alternative to redundancies

When cost savings are required, what is the impact of making pay cuts instead of redundancies?

For Members

Topic

Redundancy

Learn how to manage redundancies effectively in your organisation.

Employment law

Redundancy: Ireland employment law

Information on the law relating to redundancy, including the notice of redundancy, redundancy pay and time off

For Members

Webinar

Navigating an economic downturn – and looking after your people

Experts discuss avoiding and managing redundancies, legal requirements and managing your own wellbeing.

Latest Bitesize research

Bitesize research

When and how does psychological safety fluctuate for employees?

An investigation on how psychological safety experienced by employees changes over time and the reasons for these fluctuations

For Members

Bitesize research

Factors influencing ChatGPT adoption in the workplace

What are the barriers to the adoption of generative AI tools at work and how can they be overcome?

For Members

Bitesize research

Using algorithms to make decisions ethically and responsibly

Algorithms can help speed decisions and help organisations to operate more efficiently or profitably, but what are the pitfalls particularly from an ethical perspective?

For Members