When it comes to the workspace, there is no fixed trajectory for anyone.
While some of us prefer to switch our jobs every couple of years in search of better opportunities, others like to stay within our comfort zone, and keep working in the same company for years.
Regardless, workspace dynamics are constantly shifting, and lay-offs are a sad, but true reality of the corporate world.
Patterns like restructuring, budgeting and others, often cut short an employee’s tenure in the company, leaving them in the lurch, all of a sudden.
However, while sometimes this might come as a shock, there are certain patterns one can identify, just before you are handed the pink slip. Here they are…
1. You are suddenly asked to ‘document’ everything
If you have been a long-term employee of the company, chances are that you have your own way of working, and no one questions you over it. However, suddenly you are being asked to ‘document’ everything you do, put it in folders, or upload it on the drive, including important data, phone numbers, etc. This might be a sign that you are going to be laid off, since the company wants to quickly restructure and pass on the KT (knowledge transfter) to someone else.
2. Budget constraints
While budget constraints are followed even without lay offs as well, if there is a sudden budget freeze in the company, it could be a cause for concern. Chances are that the company is pulling all stops to reduce costs, and even simple office perks like lunch on the house or stationery is suddenly being monitored, or pulled away altogether.
3. Absentee leaders
Often, the top order management is the first one to know about impending lay-offs, and while they or they might not be impacted, their team does look upto them for answers. However, suddenly senior management is nowhere to be seen, and there are more closed meetings than before. The one to one sessions with managers have suddenly come to a halt, and long-term projects have been put on hold
4. Talks of reorganization
There are constant talks of reorganization in the company, and restructuring teams have become the prime motive. Suddenly, head counts are being closely monitored, and everyone’s work is being closely seen to gauge who the weak link in the team is. This apart, teams have been asked to work on ‘core’ tasks only, and not take up any new projects.
What should one do:
If you are sure you are soon going to be handed the pink slip soon, here’s what you can do:
Update your resume, and make it specific – include skills that are not generic, rather they are tangible, and will make you shine amongst the rest.
Reach out to old colleagues – while you might want to refrain from sharing an impending layoff (till it is confirmed), you can say that you are looking for a change, as you have not been growing in the company of late.
Look online for short-term courses to upskill in the meantime. This will help you apply for a wide range of job profiles.
Start building up a corpus to help you in need. The rule of thumb is that you should have enough savings (equivalent to your salary) to last you 6 months – 1 year without a job in hand. Cut off all non essential spends.
Lastly, don’t lose hope – Even if you don’t land a job straightway, you can start small – pick up projects that will keep you busy, take up an online courses etc. Things will even out eventually
