Prodrome: Early signs that you are getting laid off

Illustrative picture by AI

Recently, I witnessed my team getting laid off, with employment terminated immediately. There were indirect signs that a layoff was coming. Here are a few hints I observed. Also, I have added a few additional points based on my 12+ years of career. While these are not definitive signs, they can help you analyze the situation and connect the dots, as circumstances can vary.

Org level signs

Financial Indicators

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• Department or product not meeting revenue targets or not on par with other departments in consistent quarters. Quarter after quarter, if your department is not performing at the same level as other departments, it’s in danger.
• The company is implementing sudden cost-cutting measures; freezing or reducing operational budgets. Delaying or canceling planned investments.
• Reducing workplace perks and benefits. For example, the team dinner budgets, team recreational activities will be paused indefinitely.

Strategic Changes

• Projects losing priority are losing priority in the organizational roadmap. The…