How to Read the Writing on the Wall

Here are some signs that layoffs may be imminent at your company.

• More meetings than usual can indicate the company is struggling, and management is searching for solutions to overwhelming problems.
• The sudden appearance of consultants can also indicate management is searching for solutions to deep problems.
• Management layoffs-especially in upper management.
• Your company moves to smaller office space. This is usually the first step in cost-cutting.
• Consolidation of departments, teams, etc. Why pay three people to do a job when one person can be intimidated into doing it?
• Travel expense reductions or moratoriums.
• Pay cuts.
• The sudden appearance of extra security personnel, and/or new security personnel. Management needs more people to escort employees out the door. They also need new security personnel who don't have a personal relationship with any of those being laid off, so they are more likely to prevent theft of company property.