Protect Yourself from A Layoff: Employees are typically among the first targets when a company is cutting costs. A layoff can be an extremely stressful and challenging time for anyone. While you might not be able to control whether or not your company lays you off, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of staying employed.
Being proactive about keeping your job and proving your value as an employee will almost always positively impact your chances of remaining with the company. Several strategies can be helpful to protect yourself from a layoff if you work for an organization going through layoffs. These tips won’t guarantee you won’t get let go-but they will increase your chances of coming out of any downsizing process with your job intact.
Give the Leaders Hope
To protect yourself from a layoff, it is crucial to note that a recession is brutal for a business. And, even your leaders and managers have a hard time here. The reality is that no one knows how the economy will turn around, but it is important to note that these are stressful times for businesses and organizations. Leaders don’t want to lose their best employees, but the circumstances may force them to let them go.
Understanding your leaders’ and manager’s perspective is crucial if you are going through a layoff or under review for layoffs. Showing your understanding of the economic conditions will significantly impact your chances of keeping your job during these challenging times.
As much as you understand the situation, try to give your managers hope in everything you do. Laying off workers is time-consuming for them and hectic. Such a time is not appropriate to ask for promotions or favors in the organization. It is time to see how you can help the managers bring back the business to its feet and avoid layoffs. In case the manager asks for ideas and plans, offer some realistic solutions. That way, the manager will perceive you as a valuable company employee. Also, avoid fighting change; instead, embrace it openly and learn what you should do to help.
Make Yourself Indispensable
Ask yourself some tough questions. If you were laid off today, would your boss and colleagues feel there is a gap? Would they feel someone is missing to complete the equation? Would there be a standstill in a given department just because the right person is not around? If your answer to these questions is yes, then the company would never let you go. If you are looking for how to protect yourself from layoff, make yourself indispensable to the company.
Offer your skills and services at the workplace with all your heart. Work extra hard and smart so that your bosses notice all your efforts. Be that employee that arrives early at work and is always late to leave. Always make sure you leave your work environment cleaner than you found it. Uphold the company culture and mission to help it move forward with its objectives. If possible, you can even stand in for the absent employees to avoid a stall in the operations.
In case of any issues, discuss them with your boss and offer suggestions for handling the situation. Employers love employees who are determined to see the company’s growth in all ways. They will never lay you off easily.
Work Longer Hours to Protect Yourself from a Layoff
Working longer hours is also how to protect yourself from layoff. Layoffs come because of hard economic times or the business is undergoing challenging financial constraints. That means this is the time to be proactive and look for ways to keep the business running. Working extra hours will prove to your managers that you are trying to make things work for the organization.
That is what most employers will be looking for. Doing this may or may not involve extra expenses on your part. If it does, you can discuss the matter with your boss and offer to pay for some of the costs to make things work for the company. As a result, you will be viewed more favorably as an asset to the organization when faced with future layoffs.
Treat Your Manager
If you are looking for how to protect yourself from a layoff, this is one of the brilliant ways. As mentioned earlier, a recession is challenging for everyone, especially managers. How about you take them out for lunch or brunch at the nearby restaurant? It will help relieve the stress of knowing someone is thinking about them. You could politely ask them out for lunch or bring them lunch or tea in the office if this is something they fancy. If they agree, accept it with a grateful heart.
They take of you and your family by offering you the job. It’s your turn to do the same for them and make them feel valued and loved. From this act of kindness, the managers will always be with you in case of a layoff. You will remain an asset to the company. Employees who volunteer for their managers’ non-profit organizations will be spared during a layoff.
Know When to Ask for a Higher Salary
This is a company’s prerogative, and it is right to give employees yearly raises. However, there are times when your salary could be cut too. You must know when to ask for an increase that won’t inconvenience the business. According to reports, most companies will offer an increase only when the economy is in better condition or its workers need to compensate for the lost time.
However, if you are looking for how to protect yourself from a layoff, avoid the question of salary increase. Work hard in these challenging economic times without high expectations from the company. The time will come when you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Take Away
Layoffs are never pleasant, especially if you do not have something else to do on the side. Likewise, you need to stay motivated when the company is going through hard times. Nobody loves layoffs, but at times it is the only way to keep the company afloat. To employees, it can be a devastating moment. Luckily, you can do a few things to save yourself from getting dismissed. Follow the hacks here to know how to protect yourself from layoff.
