You’re one of the employees who didn’t get laid off. You are worried about your workload now that you’ve lost colleagues. What will be added to your workload? What will be deleted (if anything)?
What are your employer’s priorities now?
Do you want to stay? How is your manager reacting and answering your questions?
Do you believe in the company’s ability to survive long-term? Are the senior executives leading? Or are they back to focusing on the business quickly without recognizing the significance of the changes?
Are you given the space and time to grieve and understand the changes? Or are you expected to get back to work quickly, keep your head down, and not ask questions?
Here are some actions you can take to lead yourself:
Whatever you are feeling is valid. There are no wrong emotions after a layoff. Feel your emotions and know that with time the intensity will lessen.
Update your resume and optimize your LinkedIn profile. It gives you something to focus on that is within your control.
Network - Send a short message to three people each day. Example: “Hi Sarah, I’d love to connect and hear what’s been keeping you busy.”
Make a list of your work-related deliverables and prioritize them based on what you know. Talk to your manager to determine if that is aligned to their expectations. Make changes based on their feedback. Keep delivering value at your current employer.
Watch for job openings at the companies you are interested in working for. If an interesting job is posted, apply. You get good at interviewing by interviewing. Now is a good time to test the market to see what your skills, knowledge, and experience are worth.
If you get close to getting a new job offer, let’s talk. I’d love to help you negotiate and maximize your total compensation and other benefits.
And if you are a manager, senior executive, or in human resources, pay attention to the employees that didn’t get laid off. They need your leadership and understanding right now. Recognize them for their good work and acknowledge what is difficult right now.
#knowyourworth #jobsearch #layoffsurvivor #humanresources #compensation #negotiation