Are You Unintentionally Doing More Harm Than Good with Your Social Posts?

Before you post on LinkedIn about layoffs, consider this:

Who are you in it for?

The truth is, we all want to feel seen, to feel heard; to feel like we’re part of a community that is up to something bigger than ourselves. We see someone else post and so we hop on the bandwagon and post ourselves, thinking we are demonstrating compassion and acting out of kindness. But is that true?

Ironic, too, that organizations are also following the lead of others when it comes to layoffs. Someone else did it so now everyone is following suit concerned that they’re missing out, or how they’ll be perceived by others (mainly shareholders) if they don’t.

But here’s the thing when you share on social:

You’re taking away from the person’s experience.

You’re making it about you.

What happens after your post has been caught in the web that is the internet and never seen again? When the new trending topic hits, where does that leave those affected?

After all, social media is one of the coldest places on earth.

Layoffs, unfortunately, are a byproduct of organizations focused on what they are up to, rather than why they started in the first place. But you don’t have to follow their lead; instead, ask yourself:

Why are you posting in the first place?

If the answer is to help people, to make a difference, to make an impact, then keep reading as there may be a different, and better, way. One that I would invite you to apply to any situation in which someone has received life-changing news.

Start by creating space.

Right now people are stunned, surprised, and processing what has happened. They need space. Acknowledge the impact of the situation and send a direct note letting people know you are there. Open and available. That’s it, no more.

It’s easy to share online when you’re coming from a place of safety and security, when you are still employed. If you haven’t been impacted, the last thing a person who’s been laid off wants is to be reminded of that. That’s about you. Not about them.

If your fingers are itching to type a post, I offer you this:

Instead of sharing on social, make a note in your calendar to call someone in a few weeks. Schedule a coffee. Check-in. See how they are doing.

Allow the dust to settle. Allow them time to understand and process what has happened, and to consider what they want next. It is at this point that they may be craving community, because the one they had during the day is no longer there. That’s when a call is welcomed, a text, a note.

Come from a place of radical generosity.

How would you want others to show up for you?

At the risk of sounding patrionizing, try approaching it differently. It’s easy to post from a place of safety and security - broadcasting that you still have your job at this great company that has let people go… if that’s not your intention, think differently.

Then take real, meaningful action.

Instead of throwing out the adage “let me know if I can introduce you to anyone in my network” into the big, broad, online social sphere, think about what would have a real impact. Spoiler alert: the people getting laid off have networks too. They know people as well and likely many of the same people you know. But you’re in it; you’re in the buzz and noise of the industry. So when you hear of an opportunity, reach out directly and share it. Make the introduction. Set it up. Make it happen.

Posting to social media is well intentioned, whether you’ve been laid off before or not. The call to action here is simple:

When you see someone’s life disrupted, their happiness in jeopardy, their sense of safety challenged, ask yourself how you can show up in generosity and contribution.

This is how we have impact.

This is how we create change.

This is how we feel seen, heard, and part of something greater than ourselves.

Kirsten Schmidtke is a professional coach, creator, and lover of lake life. She works with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to help them up-level their careers, businesses, and lives. Are you ready to explore what’s possible for you? Contact Kirsten to start the conversation!