The employee had heard rumblings of impending job cuts for weeks, and as a relatively recent hire, they knew they were vulnerable.But for a new generation of tech workers, many of whom have never experienced a severe economic downturn during their professional lives, even surviving layoffs brings its own set of unfamiliar challenges.Employees Fortune spoke to at companies that have had layoffs describe everything from cratered morale and productivity, to feelings of anger towards management and “survivor’s guilt.” Andy Challenger, of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a firm that advises employers on layoffs, said that companies who ignore the after-effects of layoffs on their staff do so at their own peril.Many employees at tech companies that have had layoffs told Fortune they felt an obligation to lend a helping hand to outgoing colleagues — tapping into their networks to find openings at other companies and to put in a good word.“It made me completely lose faith in the leadership team.” At a time when tech company employees are increasingly speaking up and protesting issues like workplace sexual harassment, equal pay, and return-to-work policies, anger over layoffs could add another match to an already combustible environment at some companies."