Imagine that a layoff is in the works. The HR Director and
executive management team are reviewing employee rosters to decide who
will be included. What are your odds of escaping the layoff list?
To
save your job, you have to think like a manager. Managers cut
employees the way that you might cut expenses. To trim your
personal budget, you might consider three expense categories: Lifelines,
Essentials, and Extras.
“Lifelines” are items necessary for survival, like power and water.
“Essentials” are less critical, but hard to do without, like cable
television or your cell phone. “Extras” can be sacrificed with much
less pain. Concerts, gourmet coffees, and that extra pair of shoes
could fall into this category.
During a layoff, which category would you be in?
The answer depends on
three factors: Results,
Relationships, and
Reputation.
I. Results
How much can you contribute to the success of the business?
A. Your Position:
The more critical your job is for business survival, the safer you will
be. For example, salespeople and accountants are usually more secure
than people in public relations or training. There’s nothing personal
about this. It’s just a fact of life. Also, if you are the only person
who can perform your function, you will be safer. Large groups of
employees may be viewed as relatively interchangeable.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
If you are in a less critical function, help management see how your
work contributes to the top or bottom line. If your position is one of
many, make every effort to be viewed as a top performer.
B. Management Priorities:
In any position, your job security will be greater if your goals
support management’s top priorities. But if you spend 50% of your time
on things that management doesn’t care about, you will be much more
expendable.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
Meet with your boss or your boss’s boss to agree on the most important
objectives for your position. Try to associate yourself with
high-profile, high-priority projects. Concentrate on tasks that
management views as significant.
C. Flexibility:
During layoffs, employees are often moved around in an effort to keep
the best people. If you are able to contribute in a variety of areas,
your odds of being retained may increase. But if you have a narrow set
of skills, your usefulness will be limited.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
Try to acquire knowledge and skills that could make you useful in a
variety of positions. If you are a supervisor, be willing to accept a
non-management role.
D. Up-to-date Knowledge:
If you have allowed your knowledge and skills to become outdated, you
may be vulnerable during a layoff. Not only will you be seen as less
useful, but you may also be viewed as lacking initiative.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
Take steps to update knowledge in your field. If technology has changed
the way your job is done, acquire the skills needed to succeed in the
new environment. Be sure that your manager is aware of these efforts.
II. Relationships
How well do you get along with people?
A. Positive Attitudes:
Layoffs can provide an easy way to get rid of those who are seen as
difficult, defiant, or rebellious. So being viewed as a pleasant,
friendly, cooperative, helpful employee will enhance your job security.
If management likes you, your job will be safer.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
Develop as many positive relationships as possible, especially with
managers. You don't have to become a suck-up. You just need to “manage
up” intelligently. If you tend to resent authority, find a coach or
mentor to help you change any oppositional behaviors.
B. Expanding Your Network:
Compiling a layoff list is often a collaborative activity, during which
managers compare notes. If you are viewed positively by other
departments, you will have more advocates. Relationships with
higher-level managers are especially important. As the old saying goes,
it’s not your boss who protects your job; it’s your boss’s boss.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
If you tend to be an “office wallflower”, get out of your cubicle and
spend more time interacting with people. When you have an opportunity
to talk with upper managers, ask intelligent questions or share
interesting information. They will be more likely to remember you.
C. Working with HR:
Human resources people often influence management decisions about
employees. So getting along with your HR manager is a smart move.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
Get to know your HR manager by asking for information and advice or
volunteering to assist with HR projects.
III. Reputation
What do people say about you?
A. Your Accomplishments:
If no one knows what you do, then your value will not be evident. It
will therefore be easier to let you go. For your accomplishments to
count during a layoff, someone needs to be aware of them.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
Make a habit of talking with your manager about your work. Provide
regular updates on projects and goals. Be sure that your boss knows
about challenges you have overcome or improvements you have
implemented. This is not bragging. It’s just keeping your boss
informed.
B. Grapevine Reputation:
If you are consistently pleasant and helpful, then comments about you
on the office grapevine will be positive. Colleagues will say “he’s
really great to work with” or “I don’t know how we would get along
without her”. If managers have to choose between you and a less
cooperative coworker, your reputation may save you.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
Always be the kind of person that others enjoy working with. There is
absolutely nothing to be gained by being difficult or offensive at work.
C. Being “The Problem”:
If you are seen as “The Problem”, you will be doomed during a layoff.
Layoffs provide a safe and easy way to get rid of people who might
otherwise be difficult to fire. No one will tell you this, but it’s a
fact.
·Job
Saver Suggestion:
If you are viewed as difficult or troublesome, you should immediately
start repairing the situation. Go to your boss and explain that you
want the future to be different than the past. Ask what you need to do
differently, then do it. If HR or upper management has talked to you
about performance issues, then you should have the same conversation
with them. You may not enjoy these discussions, but they could save
your job.
