Working Through Layoffs at Your Workplace

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• Let your boss know that while you may not feel good about the loss of your colleagues, you understand the reasons for it.

• Emphasize that you are eager to do what is required to keep business running as usual.

• Discuss and clarify the new responsibilities you are being asked to take on.

• Offer to work with your boss to develop a new job description that reflects these extra duties.

• Try to be positive at all times. Avoid joining in negative talk about the issue.
• Think like a partner. Try to come up with ideas to help solve work issues or brighten poor morale.
• When talking to others in your industry, say positive things about your boss and your company.

• Important details can easily slip through the cracks after downsizing. Try to identify where problems lie and work to find solutions.

• If your new workload seems overwhelming, reflect on whether the cause lies in you being overworked or in a possible lack of skills.

• Measure your workload by keeping a time log for a week or more. Talk to your boss about the time required to complete new responsibilities. Offer to help find solutions.

• If you lack the skills for new tasks, talk to your boss about how part-time or company-based skill upgrading could make you a more effective employee.

• Keep your resumé and job search skills up to date.
• Continue to network in the industry and keep in touch with headhunters.
• Keep in touch with colleagues who were laid off. Chances are that you'll meet up again in the workplace.
• Help laid-off colleagues in their job search, as it may work to your advantage in the future.