When a company is downsizing, making changes, or getting new management, there are often layoffs that come with the changes. People often want to know how to look for signs that their jobs might be in jeopardy. The best thing to do is focus on work and show that you are valuable to the company, and you can look out for a few telltale signs. Read on to see how to tell if your boss is going to lay you off.
Communication From Above Has Stopped
If you ask your manager or your boss whether the company has layoffs planned and you don’t receive an answer, this may tell you what you need to know. Managers may know what is going on behind the scenes, but they may have been instructed not to share the news. On the other hand, they may not know the answer.
If you notice that you are not being included in meetings behind closed doors, this is a sign that you might be fired. You might normally be part of team meetings, and before they lay you off, they may have several meetings without you present. Pay attention to these things to get an idea of whether your job is in jeopardy.
Your Company Is Not Doing Well Financially
When a company goes through a period of financial instability, it is natural for them to consider laying people off. It really depends on what the financial problem is. Most companies can absorb a short time of reduced business, but if it continues on, the company will need to cut costs to stay afloat.
If you notice that sales or orders are consistently down and people don’t have as much work to do, layoffs might be imminent. This is the time to make yourself useful and busy, and do what you can to help your company. By showing your boss that you are valuable and care about the future of the company, you might be able to save your job.
The Company Schedules an Emergency Meeting for All Employees
Companies often do not give much warning before layoffs happen. The reason is that people will start looking for another job right away. If they plan to lay off an entire department or team, it is likely that they will call a meeting for all of the employees. Companies do this so that they can explain what is going on and why the layoffs are necessary.
If your company calls a meeting and requests that everyone attend, it is likely that they will announce layoffs that day. You may not be one of the people who are going to be laid off, and in this situation, there is little you can do to change their minds. They may ask you to fill out a questionnaire before the meeting, which gives them information to assess each employee before they finalize the cuts.
However, if you really need the job, you can speak to your boss to find out if there is any way for you to transition to another department or another role at the company. This may be important because you may not be able to survive without the job.
It is never easy to be laid off, and it can be nerve wracking to try to figure out if your job is on the line. The key is to always do your best work. Even when companies go through hard times, they will usually try to find a way to keep a valuable employee.
The best plan is to do your best work and show your boss that you need the job and that you are willing to do your best. Be flexible because if your position is being phased out, there may be something else you can do at the company.