Layoffs have become an unpleasant reality. Many organizations in the ‘Indian’ market scenario are resorting to means and methods which lead to an ‘engineered’ exit of an employee – be it rating the employee’s performance low /giving an annual hike which is untenable / ensuring that the employee’s communication channel within the organization is cutoff and many other means. However, there are many positive and constructive steps an employee can take to ensure that they are not subjected to this.

FOCUS ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS– Be aware of your professional goals and the specific role you are supposed to play in your organization.

WORK HARD– The best way to ensure that you are in the good books of your employer is to deliver quality work. However, a good worker does not need to degrade others or pit people against one another in order to survive, because a good performance speaks for itself.

OBSERVE THE UNSPOKEN TENETS OF THE OFFICE – For instance, in some workenvirons, staying beyond normal working hours is a sign of commitment and dedication. In other offices, an employee who consistently stays late may be considered inefficient, needing more time to do tasks that others completely more quickly. Paying attention to these dynamics helps to avoid becoming the target of criticism.

IMPROVE WORK EFFICIENCIES – Explorefor ways that can improve efficiencies or processes to save the organization’s resources. Document these process improvements to show how you’re saving time, money or helping the clients.

WORK TOWARDS BECOMING A VALUABLE EMPLOYEE – A valuable employee is one who is takes initiative, on the job. Try and be on time and don’t check out earlier than your official time. A dedicated employee is automatically recognized and are perceived that they are adding value.

DO NOT GET ENTANGLED IN OFFICE POLITICS – By unnecessarily being a part of office politics, it is possible to find yourself stuck in between two power centers who are at odds with each other. You possibly might find yourself being tossed around while they try to outwit each other and defend their own position. Hence office politics is best avoided.

SEEK PERIODIC FEEDBACK FROM YOUR MANAGER – You don’t know what you don’t know, getting performance reviews is not just your manager’s responsibility; you are as much responsible for your development and progress. Frank periodic reviews from your manager might be the most valuable information you can ask for, even if it’s not always what you want to hear.

As an experienced motivational coach and mentor, I firmly believe these 7 pointers would go a long way in providing you with some valuable insights to tide over any on-the-job issues that might drive you towards an eventual layoff.

By – Mahesh P.K

         Director

         Aavishkaar Consulting