Navigating Survivor Syndrome: Strategies for Career Resilience After Layoffs in Biopharma

The pharmaceutical industry has been grappling with a wave of layoffs, leaving many employees facing the challenges of "survivor syndrome." This phenomenon, characterized by feelings of guilt, anxiety, and uncertainty among those who remain employed after job cuts, is reshaping the workplace dynamics in biopharma companies. A recent article delves into the impact of these layoffs and offers strategies for both individual contributors and managers to maintain career momentum in the aftermath.

The Ripple Effects of Downsizing

Layoffs in the biopharma sector have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate job losses. According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, 68% of people now worry that business leaders purposely mislead them—a 12 percentage point increase since 2021. This erosion of trust can significantly impact employee morale and productivity.

Research compiled in a 2022 Harvard Business Review article suggests that employees with low organizational commitment are 2.5 times more likely to leave their company. A 2023 Culture Amp study found that organizational commitment drops by 13.5% after a layoff, exacerbating retention challenges. In a survey of 133 biopharma employees whose companies had undergone at least one layoff, 64% reported actively seeking new employment opportunities.

Strategies for Rebuilding Trust and Momentum

To address the challenges of survivor syndrome, experts recommend a three-step approach for both individual contributors and managers:

1. Get Clear on What's Real: Employees should assess what has truly changed in their work environment and seek clarity on new expectations. Managers are advised to be transparent about the reasons for layoffs and future plans, even if they don't have all the answers.

2. Deal with Today Before Worrying About Tomorrow: Individual contributors should prioritize self-care and communicate with managers about realistic workloads. Managers need to redefine roles, recalibrate expectations, and regularly check in with team members.

3. Find the Opportunity Hidden in the Mess: Employees can leverage gaps in responsibilities as opportunities for growth and career development. Managers who effectively guide their teams through uncertainty can position themselves for future leadership roles.

Building Resilience in an Uncertain Industry

The biopharma sector is inherently volatile, with challenges ranging from scientific setbacks to regulatory shifts. Layoffs add another layer of instability, potentially impacting trust, productivity, and innovation among remaining employees. However, those who successfully navigate survivor syndrome can emerge stronger, developing resilience that benefits both their careers and their companies.

One biotech company turned post-layoff uncertainty into a growth opportunity by offering short-term stretch assignments, allowing employees to explore new roles and develop new skills. This approach not only retained talent but also cultivated some of the company's strongest future leaders.

As the industry continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty may become a critical competitive advantage for both individuals and organizations in the biopharma sector.