How to Keep Your Job During Downsizing
During times of downsizing or restructuring, you may feel anxious, angry, helpless, or frustrated. The first thing to realize is that many aspects of a company’s decision to downsize are out of your control. And a great deal of it is simply up to chance, or determined by head office, and often have very little to do with you or your performance.
Getting downsized is NOT a reflection on your worth, skills or value.
While you can’t control every factor, there are smart, proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk of being let go. And also, taking these actions can be useful throughout your career.
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Job During Downsizing
1. Build a Visible Track Record of Results
Don’t assume your work speaks for itself. Document your contributions and make sure they’re known.
- Send occasional progress summaries to your manager. This can be done in a friendly weekly email update or in person. Managers often appreciate this effort and connection, AND it is a great way to ensure your achievements are kept top of mind – even if you are a humble person.
- Quantify achievements (e.g., “reduced processing time by 25%,” “increased engagement by 40%”).
- When appropriate, share wins in team meetings—without bragging, but with clarity and pride. Be sure to recognize others efforts and achievements as well.
Managers making tough decisions will remember those who consistently deliver.
2. Be Solution Focused
Show up with a solution-focused mindset and consistently demonstrate the value your work brings.
- Focus more on solutions, not problems.
- Take on tasks that align with company priorities.
- Offer to help with projects that are understaffed or high-impact.
3. Create an Alternative Plan to Exit
Even if you are the most dedicated, top performing amazing team player, you can still lose your job to downsizing.
Create an exit plan for yourself. Take inventory of your strengths and skills. These skills are valuable and can be transferred to another job in another company or industry.
Check out job advertisements and postings elsewhere. Polish up your resume. Apply for other jobs confidentially.
Never let yourself become wholly dependant on working for a specific company.
4. Let Strength, Not Fear Guide You
Continually remind yourself that you are a valuable person with great skills to contribute. Remind yourself of the times in your life that you met challenges and got through hard times.
Know that you are strong and resilient.
Whether you stay or go, you can get through this.
5. Stay True to Yourself
No job is worth letting your self down or going against your values. If you have been wondering if you are in the right job or feel that you are letting other people’s values and desires drive your life, it’s time to get clear on your own values and your own goals. Downsizing can be a time that highlights your own feelings of mismatch or
