A Pre-layoff Checklist for Worried Workers
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 05:05PM What should you do when you suspect a layoff is imminent? A lot of advice focuses on working harder to keep your job. While that is not a bad idea, I have a feeling it may be too little, too late.
Since so many layoffs amount to the surgical removal of an entire department, the stellar efforts of one worker are often overlooked. Worse, repeatedly staying late and coming in early could distract you from the other steps you should be taking to prepare for a layoff.
That’s not to say that you should do less than you were hired for. Of course not. But if you’re going to make an extra effort, try to ensure that it will pay off.
In the meantime, see if you can find a pair of scissors. You need to cut out this column and put this list somewhere handy so you can check off these pre-layoff steps as you complete them.
Take Stock
· Survey you work arrangement and identify what access you would lose. If your workplace uses key cards, you
will not be able to enter the building. Your passwords will likely be disabled and you will not be able to use your
computer or voice mail at the office. That means no access to your e-mail address book and contact information
for internal and external colleagues.
· Itemize your company-issued equipment. What would you need to return? Laptops, cell phones and company
cars are the most common items; you may also be holding tools, keys or other items of value.
· Review your company-sponsored benefits. Health insurance is the big item; other things to look at include
disability and life insurance, professional subscriptions and memberships, and health club memberships.
Reallocate Resources
· Stop using your work computer to store personal documents. Print or e-mail to your personal account the items
that matter to you: letters or praise from your boss or presentations you’ve given. Remember that the work you’ve
completed for the company does not belong to you. On the other hand, unless it’s highly confidential, your work
does belong in your portfolio, so go ahead and capture representative samples of your projects.
· Stop using your work-issued cell phone to store contact information. Duplicate your info into something more
permanent, such as an address book.
· Where feasible, disentangle yourself from company benefits. With the exception of health insurance, a number of
things you receive from the workplace can be purchased easily on your own. Have a realistic plan for doing so.
· Rethink company-based investments.
Act as if layoff is imminent
· De-personalize your work space. Take home the things that really matter to you.
· Scrub your files. Consider what might be on your company-issued laptop or work computer that really shouldn’t
be there, then take it off.
· Collect your co-workers’ non-company contact information. Remember that they may get laid off, too, so the
company e-mail address won’t do you any good.
· Make use of company programs while you can. Does your workplace offer tuition reimbursement or conference
registration? You need those things. Now. However busy you think you are, don’t miss the opportunity to upgrade
your skills or broaden your knowledge in your field. Those are you stepping stones to your next job.
Mentally Prepare
· Relax. Or, at least, don’t hyperventilate over this situation. Control what you can and let the rest go; you’ll nee
your strength to move forward if a layoff does occur. The last item on your checklist will be the most difficult, I
think, but also the most important.
By Amy Lindgren, Owner, Prototype Career Service
Contact her at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com
Reader Comments (1)
Thanks,
Kevin Love, MBA
Training and Development Professional
Dallas / Fort Worth Area
Google Voice: 817-778-8540
Email: kevindlove@hotmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlove