Layoffs May Get Worse: Best 5 Moves to Make to Keep Your Job

As companies look to reorganize or cut costs, layoffs continue to impact workers , especially those in the tech, media and manufacturing industries. While overhiring over the last few years may account for some of these job cuts, concerns about the economy also play a role and could cause layoffs to worsen.

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Recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicated signs of a further weakening job market. The seasonally adjusted civilian employment rate stood at 4.3% in July 2024 – up from 4.1% in June and 3.7% in January. The July 2024 jobs report showed that the country only added 114,000 jobs that month compared to the 215,000 monthly average over the last year.

If you’re feeling shaky about your employment situation, now is a good time to take action, prepare your finances and reduce your chances of being laid off.

Money mistakes the super wealthy never make - that you might be doing now.

1. Ensure You’re Not an Underperformer

If you’re performing worse compared to your coworkers, that can easily make you a target for layoffs.

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Mark Anthony Dyson, career consultant and founder of The Voice of Job Seekers , recommended that employees be proactive about knowing where they stand. “When industry-wide layoffs are in the news, it’s an excellent time to schedule an honest conversation with their manager,” he said. “Sometimes, waiting for company rumors to float is too late.”

You should then get to work to address any performance issues. “Prepare performance metrics to compare them to benchmarks set by management,” said Dyson. “If the employee is considered underperforming or borderline, create a specific plan with management to exceed goals.”

2. Be Visible in the Workplace

Whether you believe your work will speak for itself or you simply prefer staying behind the scenes, a lack of visibility could hurt your chances of keeping your job.

“If leaders across the organization don’t know who you are or what you’ve achieved, it will be difficult to justify keeping you onboard should layoffs be necessary,” said Caroline Castrillon, founder of Corporate Escape Artist . “Instead of flying under the radar, speak up in meetings and ask your manager for strategic projects that will contribute to the bottom line.”

Castrillon also encouraged regularly tracking your accomplishments so that you have something to share with your boss. “That way, you’ll remain top of mind and viewed as an integral part of the team,” she said.

Besides potentially protecting you from layoffs, the increased visibility might help when you’re up for a promotion.

3. Show How Your Results Matter

When trying to prove your value to your boss, giving very specific examples of how your work has saved the company time and money can make a stronger impression and improve your job security.

Dyson suggested considering how to use simple metrics or graphs to quantify your work results. He said, “It could be as simple as measuring the productivity of paper clips vs. stapling (e.g., ‘My team saves 20% total time using the electric stapler than paper clips to collate membership packets’).”

It also helps to relate those results to your team’s current goals and show how you’re beating the expectations.

4. Demonstrate Flexibility

Whether it’s keeping up with technologies like artificial intelligence or being willing to train for new job duties, being a flexible employee can help protect you during layoffs since it shows that you can adapt and provide value.

Consider continuously learning to help your company. “As businesses adapt to changing markets, certain skills become more valuable,” said Paula Mathias-Fryer, senior director of SLO Partners . “For example, if your company is expanding its digital presence, gaining expertise in areas like SEO, content creation, or digital marketing can boost your relevance.”

You should also show that you’re willing to do what it takes to help your team.

“Flexibility isn’t just about adapting to change–it’s about stepping up when the team has a need or void,” said Darrin Murriner, co-founder of Cloverleaf . “Volunteer for projects, solve lingering issues and be someone people rely on. The more you make yourself essential, the more secure your role becomes.”

5. Conduct Yourself Professionally

Avoid the mistake of solely focusing on work performance – including doing your work on time and at a high quality – and ignoring conduct. You should always focus on behaving professionally so that your company doesn’t view you as a less desirable employee to retain.

“Don’t spread rumors or gossip in the workplace,” said Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money . “Dress appropriately and look great even on casual Fridays. Make your workspace organized and neat.”

You should keep your employer’s code of conduct and workplace culture in mind. You’ll also want always to communicate respectfully and avoid bringing up inappropriate topics at work.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Layoffs May Get Worse: Best 5 Moves to Make to Keep Your Job