Survivor Guilt episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 1, 2025 · 37 MIN

Survivor Guilt

from The Leadership Growth Podcast · host Daniel & Peter Stewart

When uncertainty hits the marketplace and organizations are forced to lay off employees, there’s an under-discussed byproduct of the upheaval–namely, survivor guilt. How do those who keep their jobs cope with losing friends and colleagues to layoffs?In this episode, Daniel and Peter offer six clear steps to help layoff survivors deal with the shock, grief, and upheaval presented by keeping their jobs when others lose theirs.Tune in to learn:The one small change you should make to your language that brings big resultsHow to gain control in the aftermath of huge organizational changesWhy it’s more important than ever to focus on wellbeing“You are not alone,” says Daniel. “Try to not pretend like everything is normal. It’s not!”Layoffs are not easy for anyone, including survivors. Be patient, give yourself some grace, and employ these tools to help get yourself back on stable footing.Questions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at [email protected] this episode:1:54 – Memory Lane: The Simulation6:24 – Topic: Survivor Guilt7:49 – What is Survivor Guilt?12:18 – Step #1: Acknowledge Your Feelings16:15 – Step #2: Communicate Openly20:19 – Step #3: Focus on Your Role23:50 – Step #4: Support Your Colleagues29:15 – Step #5: Focus on Self-Care33:32 – Step #6: Reflect on What’s Important36:34 – Lightning RoundResources:What is Workplace Survival Syndrome–and How to Cope (Indeed)Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:5 Ways to Help Manage Your Team’s Change ExhaustionLeading Through Change: How to Future-Proof Your TeamWe Are What We Think: 4 Steps to Change Our Personal Stories4 Truths About Being a Compassionate LeaderThe 4 Steps for Managing Constant Change in the Workplace9 Practices to Boost Your Longevity–and Your Leadership AbilitiesYour Brain at Work: Four Strategies to Maximize Your Most Powerful Asset5 Ways to Encourage a Strong Sense of Wellbeing on Your Team5 Ways Leaders Can Better Manage Feeling OverwhelmedIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. 

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Survivor Guilt

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This episode was published on July 1, 2025.

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When uncertainty hits the marketplace and organizations are forced to lay off employees, there’s an under-discussed byproduct of the upheaval–namely, survivor guilt. How do those who keep their jobs cope with losing friends and colleagues to...

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