When a Mass Layoff Is Imminent
The more signs you see, the more likely that a layoff is coming.
• The company has been failing to hit targets for some time
• Nonessential budgets are reduced or cut
• Teams and offices are streamlined to eliminate redundancies
• Raises and promotions are placed on hold (even pre-approved ones)
• Hiring comes to a freeze
• Scheduled projects are postponed or canceled
• Managers hold closed door meetings more frequently (happening all over now)
• Conference rooms are booked by HR all day
• The flow of communication and reporting changes
• Senior managers are more agitated or stressed
• Senior managers start to resign (definitely happening)
• The company pivots or undergoes a restructuring
• A new leader steps in at the company (Johnny V)
• The company is merged or acquired (Almost happened with Fuji)
• A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) is issued (Have to notify employees first)
• Managers begin to hint at impending layoffs (Lots of "wink"-"wink" going around.
Clues That Point to You Being Cut
• You work on a project that is not generating revenue (Mine is definitely not...)
• You don’t have close ties to clients or business partners who help generate funds
• Senior management inquires about what you do or you’re asked to write a job description
• You are left out of important meetings and your manager shares less information with you
• Your manager hints at changes you should make to your work or behavior
• Your access to company accounts is denied
• Your hours are reduced (if you’re a nonexempt employee)
Feel free to add others....