Coworker dismissed. What to say?

[Anonymous]

We’re friendly and I know she’ll be taking it badly. I dodged her call just after it happened, but I’m going to have to answer sometime! I know she’ll be venting, but honestly I’m really happy at work and don’t share her gripes. I don’t want to agree with her negativity but I need to be sympathetic. I need some good lines to use!!

[Anonymous]

Was it for cause?

[Anonymous]

She got fired? Why do you need to talk to her at all? Just ghost her - it's the American way.

[Anonymous]

If you are not friends, I wouldn't respond at all.

[Anonymous]

You have to be careful not to get sucked into saying something you will regret, like implying the boss is biased (unless you don't mind being called as a witness someday). But assuming she was laid off, say you're sorry it happened, you wish her luck, and you'll send any opportunities her way if you learn of them.

[Anonymous]

Is this a job for chatgpt?

[Anonymous]

Don't let the door hit yeh where the Lord split yeh

[Anonymous]

I’ve actually been told by HR not to talk to anyone who’s been laid off. Probably a good rule.

[Anonymous]

Just listen and say "I'm sorry. That's rough. Let me know what I can do to help."

Offer to pass her resume around. Don't engage in any substance about your firm. Let her say what she's wants. If she asks a question, say "I don't know.

Don't ghost her. This is a traumatic moment.

[Anonymous]

I would say something alone the lines of — I know you haven’t really been happy at work for a while. I really hope this turns out to be a good thing for you and you find a place where you can really thrive.

Sometimes people are just in the wrong job. It’s like a relationship — someone has to be the breaker-upper. This is like getting dumped by a guy who you didn’t really like much. Hopefully it will be freeing. Tell her to get her UI and focus on the future.

[Anonymous]

Do you have my leads you can suggest to her or friends you can reach out to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve actually been told by HR not to talk to anyone who’s been laid off. Probably a good rule.

Of course HR says that!!! They don’t want the laid off person making the remaining employees bitter or to hear bad gossip

HR is not your friend!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve actually been told by HR not to talk to anyone who’s been laid off. Probably a good rule.

Of course HR says that!!! They don’t want the laid off person making the remaining employees bitter or to hear bad gossip

HR is not your friend!

+100!

[Anonymous]

Not a lay off - I’m assuming they said it’s because her deliverables weren’t up to par. She always has excuses. I was on the road today so I missed the in-person talk in the office. She has my cell number and we have many overlapping connections so I can’t ghost. I’ll just be politely sympathetic and hope she drifts away quickly.