You survived a layoff in your company, what to do next to keep your job safe: 7 tips

Company layoffs and downsizing are a part of business; it’s the easiest way for a company to cut expenses and stay alive. It’s unfortunate for those who do get cut, but if you are an employee who remains after job cuts, you better be cautious. You might feel relieved and simply go on with your workday routine. However, the days after a downswing event should really be a time of careful planning and reflection about your career.

1. Notice the change
After a company lays off its employees, there will be other changes to cut the budget. For example when there are fewer employees, your workload will increase. Of course, since the company is struggling financially, they cannot pay you more. This is the time to decide if the new work situation is worth staying for.

2. Don’t relax
Just because you avoided getting cut, does not mean you are safe. You may not be as lucky the next time they lay people off. This is the time to really check your surroundings and increase your awareness of what really is going to happen. It’s better to be prepared and create a back-up plan in case the worst should happen.

3. Analyze your value
Layoffs will create plenty of doubt and uncertainty. The best way to attack this situation is to determine if you are valuable and worth keeping for the company. Take a step back and objectively look at your role. Ask these questions of yourself: what are your unique skills, knowledge, expertise, specialization and performance? The most important element will depend on what your company perceives they need from you to survive. Usually, its your performance, if you typically bring in a direct return in profits or assets, then you are in good shape. It’s time to re-visit your past performance reviews.

4. Learning to be more valuable
Don’t freak out if your self analysis shows that you can be eliminated. Now you just have to learn new ways to become more valuable. Learning a new skill can make you transferable into another department and is vital during another layoff. Earning a certification is another way to increase value. A certification will differentiate you from the guy in the next cube, it will set you apart if they have to decide between you or him. Nevertheless, even if you DO get fired, then the new skills or certifications will make it easier for you to get another job.

5. Build relationships in your network
You might think that since you have a couple hundred “friends” on Facebook or LinkedIN you will be able to find someone that can help you with finding a job. However, these acquaintances are not going to be a surefire deal. Imagine asking about job openings to someone you have not talked to in a while. It would be so transparent, that you are only using them. The real solution is to build real and strong relationships. Connect with people in a sincere way. It’s better to have 7 strong relationships than having acquaintances with 50 people.

6. Don’t be a part of the rumor mill
There will be plenty of talk and gossip after the layoffs. Rumors will be started and negative perceptions will grow. Just do not participate in a conversation that is based on paranoid thoughts, it will just create rumors. These will only hurt you when the company hears about your involvement. It will portray you as the negative component of the business. Although it will be stressful to deal seeing people get laid off, its important to simply keep a positive attitude that will show in your conversations with people.

7. Identify when its time to move on
As stated in the first tip, you need to assess if the job is worthwhile. Is it worth the stress to be always worrying about if and when you will be laid off? Do you want to be part of a failing company? Do other job opportunities seem clearer now that you are in this situation? The bottom line is: you are in control. You don’t have to wait to get laid off to make the move. You had the ability to do it all along. Start updating your resume, start saving money and prepare a time when to take another path.