Fired. Laid off. Sacked. Redundant. Down-sized. Dismissed. Terminated. Canned. Let go. Walked out.
Feel a lump in the throat after that list, any of you corporately employed? As threatening skies foretell continued economic recession and ensuing layoffs, I have had several career-coaching clients ask whether companies are required to notify their employees about the dissolving of positions in their company.
Federal law in the form of the “WARN Act” addresses this issue. The WARN Act compels the employer to give affected employees 60 days’ notice. Exceptions include situations in which staff reductions result from a natural disaster or other unforeseeable business circumstance; or when the employer seeks to avoid or postpone the layoff, and the advance notice may damage such efforts. Other restrictions include the size of the employer and type of employees: over 100 employees, not counting employees who have worked less than 6 months in the last 12 months and not counting employees who work an average of less than 20 hours a week.
Considering the vast number of micro and small businesses with less than 100 employees that dominate America’s commercial horizon, it would be well for all employees to answer the following: what is the best way to protect yourself from layoffs and economic recession? As the ancient Greek philosopher Delphi declared, “Know thyself.” And I would add, live accordingly. Self introspection regarding your gifts, skills, inclinations, and passions in life should lead to a life in line with who you are best designed to be. Employees who know where they fit and what they love to do are well-placed dynamite in the hands of an aware and supportive employer – they explode with purpose and everyone benefits. If you want to become an empowered employee, spend time discovering what you were made to be doing in this life. And then get out there and do it. Don’t let the fear of downsizing cripple your working future.
“That every man find pleasure in his work — this is a gift from God.” Ecc. 3:13
