Company Layoffs-Just An Excuse to Save Money?

I have many friends who recently joined the ranks of the unemployed. Some of them suspected it was coming but all of them were basically given no notice-they were called into a conference room and told it was their last day. So much for company loyalty.

It got me thinking. Why were they and others let go? I believe there are two reasons. First, when companies need to save money, they terminate higher-level employees who are earning a lot of money. Sometimes the employees have been with their company for 15, 20, or 30 years but company loyalty is irrelevant during tough economic times. Second, company layoffs are used as an excuse for supervisors to get rid of employees they either don't like or who are not doing a good job.

If your company is contemplating layoffs and you are making a lot of money in your position, you may have a difficult time escaping the ax. However, you may be able to prevent the second reason for layoffs if you have a great relationship with your boss and if you do a great job. Notice I said a "great" job, not a "good" job. Put yourself in your supervisor's position. They have to trim their staff so how do they decide? It may very well be based on how much the boss likes you so make sure you have a solid relationship with your boss. If you don't like them, pretend you like them. Constantly communicate with them. As far as the work is concerned, do whatever it takes to get the job done. Volunteer to do things that aren't asked of you. Become a star at work and maybe, just maybe, you can avoid getting the ax.