I was laid off a few months ago and not a single person reached out. It really hurt. So I would say if you feel comfortable having that conversation with them then absolutely reach out.

As someone who was laid off recently, I think it's best to wait a couple days, so that the person can sit with the news for a minute. But *definitely* reach out within the week. Personally, it was hurtful to only hear from a couple of colleagues post-layoff (to be fair, most of *my* people were also laid off). This article hit the nail on the head for me re: how to approach laid-off colleagues—hope it helps! https://magazine.workingnotworking.com/magazine/i-got-laid-off-how-i-wish-my-coworkers-handled-it

I was laid off in October. Two people reached out to me, one immediately and one a week later. I was very grateful for both. I thought that I had more "friends" at my job. The sooner you reach out the better. One or two days, just a quick note and let your colleagues reply when they are ready. Even after four months, my pain is still very real and I am still unemployed. You are a kind person to care about your coworkers.

I can’t answer because I was laid off in April 2020 and just one person (only because he sat immediately next to me) reached out to me and no one else. I feel that I was treated as if a layoff were contagious and no one wanted to talk to me. I had been back from maternity leave for one month, upon my return had been greeted like a long last friend, but after the layoff heard from no one. On the flip side, I would not have wanted much from them in way of communication. Just a “hey I’ll miss you” might have been nice. But for me, more than that wouldn’t have been meaningful to me personally. I say that just to say - know the person and what kind of gesture they might want.

Follow your heart. If you are reaching out from an energy of love, compassion and support there is no wrong time.

It depends on your pre-layoff relationship and whether you are suffering "survivor guilt". If you were a friend before, I would hope to hear from you in a friendly way..don't gossip about the office! And, worse, don't take our conversation back to the office & gossip. If we were colleagues, I would hope to hear from you via LinkedIn..leave me a recommendation & I'll get back to you sooner than later.

As someone who was part of a mass lay off in a job, which came as a shock as it was sudden. Alot of people are upset initially but then also need to quickly find a new role. Anything you do to reach out is welcome. LinkedIn request with a friendly message of support or offer if there is someone in your network that may know of roles etc. Even if you leave it day or so, do reach out, it's nice to hear.

Thanks everyone, I reached out with a simple "Hi, if I can be of any help introducing you to anyone in my network please feel free to let me know". Myname

Like many others have said above, I'd wait a day or so and then reach out and offer your support. Depending on you level of familiarity could dictate how long you wait, but even just a message in LinkedIn can be helpful. As for offers of references, I'd be careful on who you offer it to and what you offer. As an HR person, my advice is to always be cautious on that depending on your work role in relation to that person. Many companies have policies about current employees giving recommendations or references for co-workers and you want to make sure that you are not going against the policies. If you were particularly close or friendly, you could offer to be a friend reference and restrict yourself to a character reference rather than a work/professional one.

Reach out, now and later. As someone who was laid off due to a takeover two years ago after 28 years with a company, I know it is not an easy thing to go through no matter if you expect it or not. No one can tell you how that person is feeling. It is a very lonely time and they will appreciate your kind gesture.