Signs That Layoffs are Just Around the Corner at Your Workplace

You love your job and give your best at the workplace. You are praised by your supervisors and admired by the subordinates for all the efforts you put in. Everything is going well at the work front. However, it does not guarantee that you are safe from getting a pink slip. Even the biggest of organizations face difficult times in terms of financial stability forcing them to downsize their staff. Usually, the decision to lay off employees is the last resort companies are left with. However, when faced with financial troubles, there is nothing much an organization can do except let some of their employees go. Since employees have access to limited information, they are unable to pick up signs that layoffs are just the around corner and feel helpless when the bad news is shared.

Besides the feeling of sadness and anger, people are often left shocked when they are laid off from work. If you look closely, you will realize the company had been leaving signs indicating that layoffs were just around the corner. It’s just that you weren’t able to figure out where it all was heading to.

So, how can one stay observant all the time? Here are some layoff warning signs you must watch out for:

Also read - 10 Signs That Indicate You Are Stuck in the Wrong Job

1. The Company is headed towards a merger:

Every business has its share of ups and downs. If rumors of your company heading towards a merger / acquisition are doing the rounds, it could be a warning sign. Mergers are usually considered when a company lacks financial stability and needs backing from a bigger company. The process may require the company to part ways with some of its old employees. If the rumors of a merger are too frequent at your workplace, it is better you start looking for a new job.

2. Massive internal restructuring:

If you see increased number of meetings happening between the upper management and your bosses with the agenda of restructuring the department and management hierarchy and redefining the company goals and objectives, it could mean that layoffs are around the corner. You might also see your managers taking interest in how your goals align with the company's new set of goals and objectives. If that’s the case, it is time to update your CV and start looking for a new opportunity.

3. Reduced tasks and responsibilities:

Has your workload reduced significantly in the last couple of months? Your responsibilities have reduced to a great extent too and the tasks assigned to you are getting more and more trivial. It could be a sign that your boss doesn’t believe in your capabilities and maybe even setting a stage for your layoff.

4. Frequent negative performance reviews:

The boss who was all praises of you once has suddenly changed his opinion of you. Everything you do is criticized and the performance reviews you receive are all negative. The appreciation has gone completely and the boss constantly keeps looking for excuses to find faults in your work whenever s/he gets a chance. One reason could be that you really need to work on your performance or it could also mean that you are no longer important to the business. You need to figure out which category you fall under.

Also read - How to Prepare For Your Annual Performance Appraisals Review

5. Exclusion from major team meetings:

For long you have always been informed about every important update, but now you are kept out of the loop from all the major events, project developments, critical meetings, conference calls and even emails. If this has become a regular thing at your workplace, it could mean that your manager might be preparing to say ‘goodbye’ to you.

If you spot only one or two of the above-mentioned signs at your workplace, there’s probably nothing to worry about. However, if you feel that the environment at the workplace has suddenly changed and even your colleagues agree to this, it could mean that layoffs at work may happen soon and it’s time to look for a new job.

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