“[Redundancy] has this real stigma, because it’s veiled in secrecy, people have a sense of shame and that they’ve done something wrong.<\/p>\n
“It feels very personal, when it actually isn’t.”The shock and shame of redundancy<\/p>\n
Exactly how many Australians face redundancy each year is unknown, but the Australian Financial Review reported almost 23,000 were let go in reported redundancy rounds in 2023.<\/p>\n
It’s likely higher, given employers only need to notify Services Australia when they lay off more than 15 staff<\/a>.<\/p>\n Young Australians being made redundant<\/a><\/p>\n Younger workers are more likely than older people to be sacked or made redundant. So what should you do if this happens to you?<\/p>\n Kathryn Page, an organisational psychologist and adjunct professor in leadership at Swinburne University, says while redundancies are usually strategic business decisions, people can take it personally.<\/p>\n Dr Page, who has also experienced redundancy, says feelings of shock can be followed by rejection, denial, anger, and grief.<\/p>\n Career Development Association Australia (CDAA) national president Kate Flaherty says people may even feel anxious or afraid.<\/p>\n “They might be worried about finances, will they get another job, are their skills transferable?”<\/p>\n Some people, however, see redundancy as the chance for a fresh start.<\/p>\n “Other people say, ‘This is a really great opportunity, because I was wanting another job, and now I’ve got a package and breathing space’ [to find one],” Ms Flaherty says.<\/p>\n Normalising the experience and sharing tips Camille has been focusing on other things since being made redundant, like her singing. (Supplied)<\/p>\n Camille says instead of taking “garden leave” (when someone is still employed and paid during their notice period but isn’t required to come in or perform duties), she opted to work the remainder of her notice period.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n