I’ll never forget what it was like when I worked in a company where every week brought a new round of pink slips. My stomach would knot up each Monday when I stepped off the elevator, pushed through the office’s door and sat down in my cubicle. Would I be next? Did I need to duck and cover? Should I start floating my resume?
These days, the pink-slip stress is a daily occurrence for many individuals. Maybe a pending layoff could be a reason you’ve decided to adopt a frugal lifestyle–and therefore found your way over to this blog.
That’s why today, thanks to the folks at administrative staffing firm Office Team, I’m offering 8 tips for surviving company layoffs when you’re not laid off–and how you can continue to make yourself valuable to your employer (whether you’re a manager or a subordinate) in hopes that you will continue to stay employed.
1. Make yourself indispensable.
Focus your efforts on projects that help boost your firm’s bottom line. Take courses to learn skills that allow you to contribute in new ways.
2. Build visibility.
In uncertain times, it’s important to be noticed for the right reasons. Volunteer for projects that no one wants to tackle or that fall outside your job description. Also provide periodic reports updating your supervisor on your achievements.
3. Adapt to change.
Managers appreciate employees who can roll with the punches and maintain productivity when faced with adversity. Demonstrate your ability to stay positive, motivated and focused on doing good work.
4. Conduct an audit.
Now is the time to be nimble. Evaluate current processes and offer suggestions for cutting costs or saving your company time or resources.
5. Avoid the rumor mill.
While increased water cooler chatter is inevitable after layoffs, avoid contributing to the gossip. Also, don’t believe everything you hear. If you have questions about your company’s direction, ask your manager but understand he or she may not have all the answers.
6. Be generous with praise.
After downsizing, employees may begin to doubt their abilities and question their own future with the company. If you are a manager, you may not be in a position to make promises of job security, but you can give direct reports positive feedback on their performance in challenging times.
7. Reach out.
Offer assistance to those who have experienced a job loss by introducing them to your professional network and helping them with their job search.
8. Look out for yourself.
Layoff survivors often experience increased workloads, which can lead to burnout. Talk to your manager about setting priorities, delegating projects or bringing in temporary professionals.
Remember, these are just suggestions, not guarantees. But they’re worth keeping in mind if you happen to work at a company that’s been trimming its employee ranks–and may continue to do so in the future.
As for me I survived all of the layoffs that my company went through way back when. And when I did choose to leave, it was on my own terms to start my full-time writing business. I’ve never looked back.
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