How To Avoid Getting Laid Off

By Author: Montgomery Emerson
Total Articles: 30
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Many people are understandably anxious, given the current economic climate and future doom and gloom being reported. It is true, many companies are cutting back on projects and human capital to survive. Based on future economic reports, conditions may erode further before the they improve.

If you believe your company is unable to sustain the employment at current levels, it may be necessary to begin to re-evaluate the viability of your current position to see if it contributes directly to increasing revenues. If not, your position may be targeted for elimination if the company needs to reduce operating expenses.

Your immediate and long term future will depend on your ability to position yourself as a valuable resource to the existing company before target lists are developed and budgets are cut to save money. Chances are, if your role does not directly contribute to the bottom line generating revenue, it may already be a forgone conclusion.

If you believe you are exposed and the clock is ticking, here are some tips and strategies you may be able to follow to stay employed longer:

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... 1. It's what and who you know - Begin to market yourself and skills to other areas of the company that may be less impacted by employee cuts. If you have been in the company for awhile, you may have the necessary background and experience to move to other areas that still need to be supported by the company. Re-establish your network to let them know you are interested in moving into their areas. The more people know that you are ready, willing and able to fulfill needs in other areas can go a long way.
2. Buy Time - Market yourself to management that your services are needed to support company business practices and that you are the best person to assist them during the transition. It may not get you to stay employed within the company for the long term, but it may buy you some needed employment time before the inevitable happens.
3. Job Share - The company may not need you 40 hours per week or able to pay you on full time salary. One option may be to Offer yourself up to a Job share arrangement. This may be a win/win situation for you the employer and another individual until other employment is secured.
4. Contract Me - A huge expense that many companies deal with is Health Insurance Costs. If you can sell yourself as a contractor where the employer is not burdened with the additional employee related costs, it may make you more attractive to keep, at least temporarily. If you have a spouse that still gets Health Insurance from their employer, migrate over to their plan to alleviate your employer's costs, which is the ultimate goal from their perspective.


There are many companies who resist layoffs and will work in other areas to trim budgets and expenses. Instituting creative ideas and opportunities to find solutions on both sides during lean times are the hallmark of some of these companies that build strong loyalties to their employees.

Some companies will allow employees to work part time and take a cut in pay while still being able to keep their health insurance. In addition, other employees may be able to extend their holiday break or take additional time off without pay. When this system is shared over teams employees, it can save enough to pay for a full time position.

In summary, if you are in a position that may be reduced or eliminated totally, there may be options to allow you to Avoid the Pink Slip and stay employed longer while the economic storm passes or at least while you find employment elsewhere...
25 years experience in various industries as a business consultant.

Specialist in Customer Service, Customer Relationship Management, Project Management

Contributing articles about employment strategies in education, management, health care and Information Technology. Blog Info