There is much in the news on redundancies - mainly in the financial and building sectors but there are other companies, from a wide range of sectors, having to let people go. I hadn't initially considered that with less people buying houses there would be less work for law firms.
Many of us feel concern over whether or not our job is safe, and then there is how to deal with the situation if we are made redundant. Too much time can be spent worrying about if it will be us next or not, so best to be proactive and productive and this article should help.
Is your job safe?
It's important to find out as much as you can about your industry - to what extent is it being hit by the economic situation. Is your company losing orders and contracts? Read the business press and if there is a possibility of job losses move on to the next stage.
But don't worry unnecessarily, stay focused on doing a good job.
Improving your chance of keeping your job
Often it's just some not all of people whose jobs get made redundant. Decisions may be made on a last in first out basis, but more often a choice will be made based on your performance.
The more you can appear as an effective and productive member of staff the better your chance of staying.
Make sure you give a positive impression at work and you don't join in with those who moan but look to be proactive and involved.
What if I may lose my job?
It's always worth being ready, just in case you find yourself back on the job market. So make sure your CV is up to date with strong examples of your achievements, and if you know you are a bit rusty in some areas (technical skills?) take some time to bring these skills up to date.
Could you get work to pay for you to attend a training course or conference, or would it be worth investing yourself if it will help to give you a competitive edge.
Also think about who you do know. It might be worth getting in touch with people you do know and looking to get to know more people via some more formal networking events. The good thing about starting know is that you can look for ways to help others before you may want help from them.
This is all about networking and being clear on who you are and what you want via a personal commercial, if you need some help with this look at the featured product.
Start looking at job ads so you can see what is out there and begin thinking of what you like and don't like about your job. If you haven't done it already, go through the 10 steps to a job you love eProgramme (sign up via the website). Reviewing job ads will help you to see where the jobs are and help you to begin thinking of a different industry.
And if the worst happens ...
Years ago I trained managers in counselling skills to deal with organisational change within the Post Office where there was a redundancy situation. We discussed how people will react in different ways to redundancy - some people will be excited others in shock, so let me talk you through the 6 stages people will go through. This model is relevant to any change situation although people will pass through at different rates.
Stage 1 - Shock
We need to come to terms with what is happening - no matter what we might think will happen it can be a shock to realise our company is changing and our job may disappear.
Stage 2 - Denial
Some people seek to deny a change is happening, to think it may affect others but not them, perhaps to think that the changes in the organisation will not affect them. They are hoping that they will not have to adapt and so don't start to think about their future. People can stay in this phase until they get the redundancy notice.
Stage 3 - Anger
Once people realise they can no longer delay the change they can get angry. As most people will stay in the jobs for a period of time they can get disruptive and stop doing the work they should do. This can affect relationships at work and also at home.
Stage 4 - Passive Acceptance
Eventually people realise that things are changing and can get ready to consider their options.
Stage 5 - Exploration
Now is the time to look for next steps - what other jobs are available, and how to get them. It's time to work out how good are your job search skills and to focus on finding and gaining a new job.
Stage 6 - Challenge
You now have your new job and you are in the first 90 days, where you will adapt to a new job and seek to begin to develop yourself in your new job.
If you find yourself facing redundancy some companies may offer you some job search support, if not it is worth asking what help is available and you could even suggest them paying for you to work with myself or another job search coach.
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