Work It What to say and what not to do during a retrenchment
Aug 17, 2025
Chee Sze-Yen, a career coach and author, shares her insights on navigating the emotional landscape of retrenchment. She discusses how to deliver difficult news with compassion, emphasizing the importance of respect and support for affected employees. The conversation touches on the timing of such announcements and explores non-monetary benefits during layoffs. Chee also addresses personal boundaries in the workplace, particularly regarding gift-giving, offering strategies to maintain authenticity in professional relationships.
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Retrenchment Can Compound Life Trauma
- Gerald and Tiffany recount real retrenchment tragedies to show emotional impact on employees.
- These stories highlight how retrenchment can compound other life crises and feel deeply personal.
Bad Phrasing Turns Notification Into Humiliation
- Chee Sze-Yen shares horror examples of poor notification phrasing that sound insensitive.
- One caller received "good news and great news" before being handed a termination notice.
Tell The Person Directly And Briefly
- Deliver retrenchment news one-to-one, short and direct, with HR present for support.
- Keep the conversation brief to preserve the individual's dignity and reduce uncertainty.