Additional Signs of an Impending Layoff

By Susan M. Heathfield

Jobs Vacancy, Job vacancies, Employment Jobs

Robert Half International offers these additional signs that you may be targeted for a layoff:

• "Cost-cutting measures are being implemented throughout the organization.
• Your workload is lighter than usual or projects are being reassigned to others within your department.
• Your work is cyclical in nature, and you have significant periods of slow time.
• Your position or department isn’t viewed as a revenue generator.
• You are no longer included in meetings in which you have typically participated.
• Your manager is showing increased interest in the status of your projects and the procedures planned for completing them."

Observe all of these signs carefully, however, and don't jump to wrong conclusions; these can also be signs that your company is well-managed and poised to survive an economic downturn.

Practice constant awareness of your environment. Listen and learn to read between the lines. Consider what your managers are not saying. Heed the rumor mill; employees in sales or accounting may have information you need to prepare for your future. Don’t let an employment termination, for whatever reason, catch you unprepared.