Redundances are increasing in the UK, and are currently at a five-year high since the pandemic and expected to continue the upwards trends. The uncertainty, and increased workloads with reduced workforce drive some to quit in heavily affected businesses. What does the situation look like for assistants?
Leading in research suggests that redundancy rounds are now the biggest reason employees consider leaving their jobs, highlighting the importance of communication, job security and workplace culture for employers.
Redundancy programmes and headcount reductions are having a wider impact than simply reducing workforce numbers. According to new research from Employment Hero, 42% of employees considering leaving their employer say redundancy rounds are the main reason behind their decision, while 30% are actively seeking a role they believe offers greater job security.
The findings reflect a growing concern across UK workplaces as businesses continue to navigate economic uncertainty, restructuring and cost-saving measures. While redundancies may be unavoidable in some organisations, the way they are managed can have a lasting impact on employee morale, engagement and retention.
How do assistants react to increase in redundancy rounds in their organisations?
For Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants and Office Managers, this challenge is often felt first-hand.
Business support professionals are frequently responsible for coordinating internal communications, managing leadership diaries during periods of organisational change and supporting both senior executives and wider teams. In many organisations, they also become an informal source of reassurance for colleagues seeking clarity about what changes mean for them.
Whether it’s helping organise town hall meetings, preparing leadership briefings or supporting HR with sensitive communications, EAs and PAs play an important role in maintaining trust during periods of uncertainty.
The research also found that when asked what would encourage them to remain with their current employer, almost half (45%) cited a salary increase, while 18% said greater assurance around job security would make the biggest difference.
Communication key in redundancy rounds
HR experts say transparency is critical following redundancy announcements.
Liz Sebag-Montefiore, co-founder of HR consultancy 10Eighty, believes organisations must explain not only what is happening but why.
“Employees who remain need to understand how the changes will create a more sustainable business and what the long-term strategy looks like,” she says. “Open, honest communication helps rebuild confidence and maintain motivation.”
For business support professionals, that means ensuring senior leaders have the right information at the right time and helping communications reach employees clearly and consistently.
Supporting those who stay – and those who leave
The impact of redundancies doesn’t end when consultations are complete. Remaining employees can experience increased workloads, uncertainty and what psychologists often refer to as “survivor guilt”—all of which can affect productivity and wellbeing.
Office Managers and EAs are often among the first to notice changes in team morale. Whether it’s arranging wellbeing initiatives, coordinating team meetings or simply creating opportunities for colleagues to reconnect, they can help rebuild a positive workplace culture after periods of change.
Experts also stress the importance of treating departing employees with dignity. Outplacement support, career coaching and honest communication not only help those leaving but also reinforce an organisation’s employer brand among those who remain.
Retention is about more than pay
While competitive salaries remain important, employees increasingly value stability, transparency and flexibility.
Hapreet Dhillon, Chief People Officer at Al Rayan Bank, says creating psychological safety is essential for retaining talent. Alongside fair pay, enhanced family-friendly policies, improved annual leave, competitive pensions and flexible benefits all contribute to building loyalty.
For employers, the message is clear: redundancy decisions may sometimes be necessary, but how they’re handled can determine whether talented employees choose to stay—or quietly begin looking elsewhere.
For EAs, PAs and Office Managers supporting organisations through change, clear communication, empathy and strong leadership support have never been more valuable.
To help assistants to stay informed, our jobs and careers page features latest EA and PA openings and up-to-the-minute career advice.
