Instead of getting carried away, take action. While everyone else works in slow motion, you want to stand … [+]
You can’t assume your job is sacrosanct and you won’t be cut down. The recent US employment report showed mixed signals regarding the health of the labor market. The United States added 315,000 jobs last month. However, unemployment rose to 3.7%, tied for the highest level of the year. According to job loss tracker Layoffs.fyi, white-collar tech professionals have lost 76,942 jobs alone.
Almost daily, many companies from different sectors are decreeing layoffs. One of the root causes of the job cuts is due to the Federal Reserve Bank’s initiative to rein in the economy to combat inflation. This policy directly includes layoffs as part of the plan, as people out of work will spend less money, which helps mute inflation. Here’s how you can help avoid getting fired during this time.
Don’t jump on the bandwagon of silent resignations
The new hot trend in the workplace is quitting quietly. While employees choose to stay at their jobs, they go slowly, doing the minimum amount of work. This mentality is myopic. If you think your boss doesn’t know you’re just sleepwalking through the day, you’re naive and don’t understand the business world.
The supervisor may look the other way for a while as it is difficult to attract, recruit and retain employees in this current environment. For now, they’ll pretend they don’t notice you’re slacking off.
As the economy contracts in response to Fed policies, there will be more layoffs. One of the first people to leave will be those who give up quietly. Management will be happy to get rid of the dead weight.
Do the opposite of quitting quietly
Sometimes more work is needed to avoid getting the job done. Instead of getting carried away, take action. While everyone else is working in slow motion, you want to stand out by going all out. Talk to your manager to find out how you can help. Ask what your short-term and long-term goals are for yourself and the division. Once you know what you want, do your best to exceed expectations.
This does not mean that you are a jerk to the boss. He wants to be the person in the office that everyone looks up to, as he strives to be excellent at his job and add value to the organization. It will require dedication, motivation and putting in more hours.
The time and energy exerted will pay off in the long run. You will be seen as a rising star. If there’s a juicy task or new client available, the manager will give it to you instead of one of the coasters.
The reward for a job well done will be another career enhancement task. Slowly but surely, you will earn the respect of your coworkers, your boss, management, and everyone you interact with.
When it comes time for promotions, raises, and bonuses, you’ll be at the top of the list. If layoffs are enacted, since he is considered irreplaceable, there will be no concern that he will be targeted. You will survive any future job cuts thanks to your strong work ethic, motivation, good attitude and enthusiasm.
Complaining, gossiping and spreading rumors
There are always people in an organization who spend more time complaining than doing their job. These are the people who constantly complain about something, talk trash behind everyone’s back, spread rumours, and criticize the company and the boss. These workers are always angry about something and spend all day sharing their poison with anyone they come into contact with.
When a layoff is announced, this type of employee is one of the first chosen to receive a pink slip. Management recognizes that the perpetual complainer is toxic to the team, and the company will be happy to kick him out. They will smile as they wish you good luck in your future endeavors, relieved that you are finally gone.
Seek protectors, cultivate relationships, and fight prejudice
Find some mentors, protectors and champions. You want to cultivate relationships with the key players in the company. Ingratiate yourself with them and gain their trust. They will be your biggest supporters and advocates when the layoffs are announced.
Try to get involved in a project that is mission critical to the success of the company. If you’re attached to something the C-suite values highly, there’s a good chance they need you and you have immunity against a downsizing.
Have a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Everyone likes an optimistic person who tries to see the best in things. Reach out to help others. Offer to take some of the work off of them. Be courteous and respectful to everyone you come into contact with. It would be hard to let someone nice and nice go.
There is age discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately, older workers are seen as technologically illiterate, resistant to change, and out of touch. Additionally, experienced workers earn more than their younger colleagues, making them a prime target for downsizing to save costs.
If you fall into this category, do all you can to disabuse people of this bias. Show that you are up to date with all the new software and technologies. If you’re not, take online classes right away to get up to speed. In your interactions with people, show that you are dynamic and have a high level of energy to counter age bias.
Have a ‘just in case’ plan
The aforementioned strategies are not foolproof. Your company may be in such dire straits that not even the best and brightest can be saved. You need to have a strategy just in case if things go wrong.
hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Review and update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Find the best recruiters who specialize in your space. Get in touch with career advisors and resume writers who can help you prepare for interviews.
Create a list of target companies, search LinkedIn for HR professionals and others involved in the hiring process, and send messages along with your resume. Start contacting people within your network for job opportunities. Host an elevator pitch and role-play interview, so you’ll be prepared if you’re selected to be separated from the payroll.
