Five things that can make you a target for redundancy
Hearing rumours of layoffs at work, and worried your job could be at risk? Discover five things that can make you a target for redundancy.
Redundancies remain firmly on the agenda for UK employers this quarter, with one in four planning job cuts in the coming months, based on the newly released CIPD report. While the median employer expects to reduce headcount by just 5%, even modest layoffs can trigger tough, highly selective decisions. When companies must reduce headcount, workplace errors may make you an easy target for dismissal.
Alari Aho, HR expert and CEO of recruitment software Toggl Hire, exposes the five mistakes that are silently killing your chances of surviving corporate cuts and climbing the career ladder – and how to turn things around before it’s too late:
1) Staying quiet in meetings
How you show up in meetings shapes how others see you – especially your managers. If you stay silent, it might seem like you’re not engaged or don’t have ideas to contribute.
On the other hand, people who ask questions or share input are often viewed as future leaders. Even one thoughtful comment early in a meeting can change how you’re remembered. Don’t wait for the perfect moment – prepare something small to say ahead of time.
2) Problem-spotting without solutions
It’s important to notice problems – but only pointing them out can make you seem negative. If you’re always highlighting what’s wrong without offering ideas to fix it, you might be seen as someone who complains, not someone who helps.
During layoffs, managers look for team players who solve problems, not add to them. Try to pair every concern you raise with at least one possible solution or question. This shows that you’re proactive, constructive, and invested in making things better.
3) Staying in your comfort zone
Doing what you’re good at feels safe – but it can make you seem stuck or unprepared for change. Companies going through layoffs often look for employees who can take on different roles or learn new things.
If you’ve been doing the same tasks for a long time, it might appear that you can’t adapt. Look for small chances to try new projects, even if they feel a bit outside your usual role. This shows that you’re flexible, curious, and ready for whatever’s next.
4) Skipping work socials
Turning down lunch invites or after-work events might seem harmless, but it can hurt your visibility. When leaders are deciding who stays, they often rely on trust and familiarity – not just performance reports.
People who regularly connect with others across the company are more likely to be remembered and supported. Even small actions, like joining a group lunch or chatting with colleagues from another department, can build important relationships. You don’t need to attend every event, but showing up now and then shows you’re part of the team.
5) Never sharing your wins
Doing a great job is important – but if no one knows what you’ve done, you may be overlooked when decisions are made. Managers can’t always see your work directly, so they rely on what you share with them.
Keeping a simple list of your monthly wins helps you speak up with facts when it counts. You can also mention your role in team successes during meetings or one-on-ones – just a sentence or two makes a big difference. It’s not about bragging; it’s about making your impact clear.
Change how you are perceived – and you might keep your job!
In today’s climate of accelerating layoffs and plummeting employer confidence, these mistakes are even more dangerous than before. When companies must make difficult decisions about who to retain, those who demonstrate leadership potential through these workplace behaviors are consistently protected from cuts.
The good news is that once you recognize these patterns, you can immediately change how you’re perceived and significantly improve your job security even in these challenging times.
