Seasoned HR and workplace communication expert Carrie Skowronski shared with Insider what to say (or not say) to someone who’s been laid off or fired.Courtesy of Morgan Kennedy Carrie Skowronski is a workplace communication expert who says there's a right way to reach out to a laid off colleague. She says peppering them with questions about their next steps will only stress them further. To show your support, reach out, follow up via email or text, and tap into a shared experience if you have one. Your company has joined many others in conducting layoffs, and while your job is safe, you've had to watch your close colleagues fall from the ranks.