Feeling Distressed About Workplace Layoffs?

With the onslaught of company layoff's recently, many of my past associates have expressed concerns about their situation at work. Although upper management tries to quell the rumors with reassurances of security, when a layoff occurs it's only natural to think about your own situation and wonder if you could be next on the list. So what are some steps you can take to help alleviate this fear in the workplace?

• Your only security is in your ability to perform. Recognize that companies, regardless of what they say, cannot offer job security. Companies will do whatever it takes to survive.
  
• Being in debt makes you a slave to your job and reduces the options you may have after being laid off. Make sure your personal finances are in order and that you could survive if your income stopped. If you've run up a lot of credit card debt start taking steps to eliminate your debts. A lot of fear comes from wondering how you are going to continue debt payments after being out of work.
• Dig out that resume and make sure it's updated with your recent accomplishments. Note the keyword here, accomplishments. Many people often write a boring resume that lists responsibilities. Make it action-packed! Instead of saying, "Responsible for organization operating budget," turn it around and say, "Managed organization budget and reduced operating expenditures by10%."
• Make continuous learning an integral part of your life. In the hustle and bustle of work, it's easy to ignore your own personal development. In these times you cannot afford that luxury! Whether it's improving your current skills or learning something new, make this a priority in your life. A favorite question I would ask when interviewing job candidates is, "what have you done to improve yourself since joining company X?" More often then not, the candidate would mumble a lame answer.
• Have a backup plan in place. Don't wait till the axe falls to start thinking about what you need to do. Go ahead and think about a worst-case scenario happening and what you would need to do. Do NOT dwell on this occurring. It's sensible to plan for different scenarios that may occur in your life. You don't want or need to spend all your brain cycles on these scenarios though.

Feel free to share some other ideas you may have to deal with fear in the workplace. Don't be shy! Your comment may just be one someone else needs to make a difference in their lives.