With the current harsh economic times and the introduction of technology in the workplace, job losses are steadily shooting up. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed several firms shut down operations and as much as a job loss is devastating, one can easily bounce back or shield oneself from the shock if you can accurately and quickly pick out the signs that a layoff is on the way.
The layoff process may be slow and unpredictable and any role that is not perceived as being crucial is done away with to save the company resources. So, what are the signs to look out for?
1. The Entry of New Management
Sometimes companies merge to keep up with challenging operations. Mergers or acquisitions are common due to under performance of one sector and when this happens, the dominant firm may come with their former employees or demand downsizing of the new firm. Should this news blow up, start working on a plan B because anything can happen.
2. Your Performance Reviews Suddenly Become Negative
You’ve been getting good comments on your work but right now such reviews are all negative. One, its either the company/management is indirectly pushing you away and/or your skills are no longer relevant to the stated job. This is a sign that things are not good. Start asking for that recommendation letter immediately.
3. Your Colleague is Learning your Job Skills
Do you notice your workmate is all of a sudden interested in your job? Or simply put, a new hire is in the office doing the same job as yours, asking for clarification in small bits of information. As such, the company may have already looked for your replacement or is prepping your colleague for the same job. If the company sees that your work can be done by someone within, then you could be leaving soon
4. Small Issues are Overlooked
An employee whose services are of great need to a firm is highly monitored not just in work performance but also in minor areas like punctuality. When you make small errors on work assigned, your boss raises eyebrows. But when such small errors stop being monitored by your boss, then you must know that your services are not considered useful hence the need to start packing.
5. Fewer Responsibilities are Assigned to you
The most prevalent sign that you’re being iced out is when your desk becomes empty. Fewer assignments are given to you or a large percentage of the work is given to your colleagues. At this point, when there’s no explanation for the change, of course, it’s obvious that a layoff is around the corner
