Preparing for a Layoff

We’ve recently had several clients come to us with concerns that they were going to be laid off. They were sad and anxious and wanted to be prepared should a layoff occur.

We have incredible respect for people who are dealing with the possibility of a layoff. Facing the loss of a role that provides a great deal of your identity as well as the means for living, can be very challenging.

THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS YOU CAN DO
IN THE FACE OF A POSSIBLE LAYOFF

Get support for the fear so you can pivot to taking action.

• It’s important that you’re able to acknowledge how stressful a potential layoff is and how anxious it can make you.
• Be sure to reach out to people who will honor your feelings while also supporting you in the pivot to action.

Do a quick inventory about what you love about your job and what you would change if you had the opportunity. 

• Create a resume that represents you well and then tailor it for the specific opportunities you discover.
• Being clear about what you love and want to continue to do and what you aren’t as satisfied with can help you as you look around for other opportunities within and outside the company.

 
Within the company:

• Explore what opportunities are available should you need to look. 
• Sometimes the opportunities aren’t very appealing, but if they let you stay in a company that you want to work for, they can be a stepping stone until you find a better fit.
• Knowing the skills you love to offer and the environment in which you thrive can help you find a role that’s more in keeping with your current interests and skills and the threat of layoff may be a gift.

 
Outside the Company: 

• Generally, it’s still easier to get a job when you have a job, so consider the threat of a layoff as an opportunity to take action before you’re unemployed.
• In addition to looking at job boards, start to meet with people you know throughout your community and industry.
• Let them know that you’re considering what’s next and that you’d love their thoughts about who you should talk with.
• You’ll need to share, in about 3 minutes, what you’ve been doing, the skills you want to offer, the kind of environment that’s great for you, and a few different ideas you have had for ways you could use those skills so that you prime your contact on ways to look on your behalf.

Consider a frank conversation with your boss.

• You know your organization and whether or not this is ok to do.
• If you have a good relationship with your boss or with someone in HR, consider having a conversation about your sense that there are layoffs in the works and that you’re starting to look around to protect yourself should that happen.
• In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a separation package that lets you leave with benefits that you might not have received if you were laid off.
• In others, the organization may be clear and direct about your value and fight for you to stay. 

Reflect on whether there are things you can do on the side that bring in income and could create a bridge if you’re laid off. 

• Anything that gives you confidence that you will be ok supports you having greater confidence through this difficult time.

The threat of being laid off can be extremely challenging and you may find yourself frozen for a bit. But if you can start to take action on your own behalf, you’ll be much more prepared no matter what happens.

Waiting and hoping, while tempting, is not in your best interest!