Telltale signs of an impending layoff
YOU love your work and are happy with your employer, you have even begun to get complacent and are slipping into a comfort zone. Imagine what would happen if you are suddenly laid-off. The fact is this can actually happen. We are so involved in our jobs that we fail to recognise layoff signs before it is too late.
A wise man always looks for danger even when there is none. So if something seems hunky-dory at your workplace, look for warning signs that probably indicate an impending lay-off. If you have enough indication that it can happen in the near future, be prepared for a job-loss. Start your job hunt so when you are actually handed over the pink slip you may already have a new job on hand. Do not attribute negative happenings as indications of a bad phase that will soon pass. Some tips on signs to watch out for:
Performance review: If your last performance review was not very satisfactory and you failed to get a decent raise, it could be an indication that things are not going very well. Also if some employees are being put on an extended probation, it is a warning you should heed.
Boss' attitude: Beware if your boss suddenly starts supervising every move of yours. In the past he let you do your job without interference as long as things were done efficiently and on time. Are you puzzled at his increasing dissatisfaction with your productivity? He was satisfied with your work up until now, so something must be awry.
Colleagues' attitude: Do you feel that your colleagues' behaviour towards you has changed? Are they remaining aloof and trying to avoid talking to you or even having lunch with you, something is amiss. If you have been left out of meetings lately, think of plausible reasons for this sudden transformation.
A new boss: Suddenly you find yourself working under a new boss. Contrary to your smooth relationship with your previous boss you find it difficult to work with this person. Then it is time to look for another job.
Changes at the top: The management at the top has changed. All the old-time employees seem unhappy and apprehensive about the changes the new management will bring about. Now is the time for you to assess your attitude to change. Ask yourself if you can deal with the changes that will be brought by the new leadership. If you are unhappy with the idea then you will have to assess how well you can deal with a change in your job. Make an assessment of your ability to cope with the two different scenarios and take your decision.
Rumours of a layoff: When you hear rumours of an imminent layoff and restructuring, take them seriously to the extent of updating your resume and keeping it ready so that in case the rumours turn true, you are prepared and can start forwarding your resume to potential employers.
Difficulties with new recruits: Watch out if the new employees recruited recently are not cooperating with the old ones but strangely the management is blind to their behaviour. If the new employees' attitude is affecting your work and things seem to be getting worse, you need to give it a serious thought. Though these are only some signs that could indicate a possible layoff, it's a warning not to get too complacent in your job. Be on the alert for any changes in the management and high-impact decisions or signs of trouble brewing.
Sometimes the company could be going through tough times. It might merely be a temporary phase. The trick though lies in comprehending the signs and taking the right decision. After all it is better to be safe than sorry.
HEMA SWAMINATHAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
