Spot the Signs a Layoff is Looming at Work

Protecting your career and your future from unexpected layoffs

Nobody wants to get caught off guard, especially about a potential layoff at work.😱 Ugh. Talk about devasting. 💔

That’s why it’s crucial to SPOT THE SIGNS of a looming layoff before it’s too late ⸻ which leads me to the purpose of this blog…

Here, I’m revealing 7 signs that might suggest a layoff is looming around like dark clouds on a rainy day. 🌧️🌧️

7 alarming signs a job might cut you loose

① Check your company’s quarterly earnings.

💰This can give you some insight into how well the business is performing and detect early signs of trouble. If earnings are lower than expected or show a downward trend, it might mean that the company is struggling financially and looking for ways to reduce costs.

② Watch the news for reports about fines, lawsuits, or regulation violations.

📰Legal or ethical issues signal trouble and pressure from shareholders, customers, or regulators (this impacts stability and the workforce). These things impact a company’s earnings and profitability, which can have lasting effects on growth, hiring, and firing.

③ Pay attention to the mood and tone of your managers and coworkers.

🗣️If they seem stressed, anxious, or unhappy, they could be showing something is wrong without saying something is wrong. They might know something you don’t or fear for their jobs. If you notice a change in their behavior or attitude, it might signal that something bad is coming.

④ Look for changes in your workload or responsibilities.

📊Do you have less work to do? Are your tasks shifting to other people or departments? Are some groups transitioning or being ‘serviced’ by another company? If so, your role might be downsized or eliminated next. And your employer may phase out your position or outsource a cheaper alternative.

⑤ Watch how your employer communicates with you.

📞If you feel like you’re being left out of the loop, isolated, ignored, or receive more feedback than usual, it could mean they’re not happy with your work. Underperformers are at higher risk for job cuts when companies are navigating change and disruptions. So go beyond your best and strive for excellence in your job to secure your position.

⑥ Watch out for signs of cost-cutting measures.

🔍If your employer starts to reduce benefits, perks, training opportunities, or equipment, it might mean they’re trying to save money and cut expenses. They might be preparing for a budget crunch or a cash flow crisis. Or they might be trying to make your work environment less comfortable or enjoyable so that you’ll leave voluntarily. Cringey — I know.

⑦ Pay attention to words and actions.

⚠️Words like transition, restructuring, overlapping roles, reorganizing, outsourcing, and underperforming. Also watch for actions like streamlining operations, job title changes, mergers, and selling assets (including parts of their business). These things are red flags for change that could affect your job security.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t panic — make moves…

By recognizing these signs, you can take proactive steps to secure your career and CRISIS-PROOF your future. So without delay, take steps to prepare yourself for a possible layoff and find a job with more security.

Specific steps to CRISIS-PROOF your career and future

Whether you suspect your employer is at high risk or not, it’s always a smart move to prepare.

► That’s why you should always KEEP YOUR RESUME UPDATED with highlights of your achievements.

► You should also continually look for ways to LEARN NEW SKILLS or improve your existing ones.

► And you should NETWORK WITH PEOPLE in your niche and industry as well as those outside your industry.

This is how you predict change and spot new opportunities before they manifest.

Want to do more of that?

Say this prayer to identify when an industry or niche is ripe for disruption!

See you on the next blog.