For many people, it’s a challenge to keep their morale up, putting aside worries about layoffs and coming into work with a certain level of energy. This can be tough nowadays, when people feel the need to look over their shoulder for any signs of a layoff coming their way.
Sean Ebner, regional vice president for recruiting firm Technisource, recently compiled a list of what those signs might be. His intent isn’t to make you paranoid. One, two or three of these don’t necessarily mean you’re next. But if you see a developing pattern, well, be prepared.
So here it is, one of those lists you probably shouldn’t hang on your cube wall:
- Decline in communication from supervisor.
- Are your (external) competitors in trouble?
- More than usual questioning from supervisor or peers about job duties.
- More than usual questioning from supervisor or peers about clients or individual stakeholders.
- Unusual request for detailed status.
- Not getting copied on e-mails.
- Not being invited to meetings.
- Work load decreasing (as work moves to other people).
- Peripheral restructuring or team realignment (if other teams are going through change, will you be next?).
- Request to cross-train another associate with your job duties.
- More closed-door meetings.
In particular, be on alert when you’re asked to cross-train other employees. “Generally, that is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Ebner says.
Tags: cross-training, Layoffs
