Avoid Getting Fired Or Laid Off With These Proven 5 Tips

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Handling a job loss can be one of the most excruciating experiences any employee will have to go through. But with 1 out of 10 employees in Nigeria at risk of getting fired or laid off, your job security might just depend on how well you’re able to stay on track at work.

In this article, we’ll breakdown the difference between employee layoffs and getting fired, explore the main reasons behind company layoffs and propose practical steps to avoid the firing squad.

What is the Main Difference Between Getting Fired or Laid off?

Getting fired and employee layoffs are the two major ways employees lose their jobs in the corporate world.

However, due to the flexibility of many Nigerian companies, most employees aren’t aware that layoffs and getting fired are two different concepts.

Being able to understand the distinction makes it easier to not only maintain a good slate, but also to ensure you’re prepared for any work scenario that arises.

Getting Fired vs Laid off

When an employee is fired, there is little to no chance of being rehired to that particular company again.

Getting fired is usually a result of employee behavior or performance.

Employee layoffs on the other hand are usually a result of a company’s bad financial situation.

Now ideally, if an employer decides to let go of an employee, they are required to state the reason for termination of the job contract very clearly.

However, with so many companies hiring employees with half-baked contract terms, firing and laying off an employee are thought to mean the same thing.

Firing an Employee

There are several reasons why an employee might be fired.

However, the most common cause is usually an unsatisfactory performance on the job.

Research has shown that most employers do not look forward to firing employees due to the amount of time and resources that are put into hiring and onboarding strategies.

However, there are certain aspects of worker behavior that are common red flags and can easily put any employee in the bad books.

In detail, here are the most critical ones you need to know.

  • Violating Company Policy

Whether it’s failing to follow procedure for taking time off or dating within the office when it’s clearly prohibited, your organization has policies in place for a reason.

If you’re unclear about business policy on a specific problem, a chat with your HR manager should clear things up.

  • Unsatisfactory Performance

Companies usually search for skilled workers who can do all of the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

If you are continually requiring monitoring or supervision on your tasks, and they are still not up to par, the firm will view you as a poor investment that they are eager to get rid of.

  • Document Falsification

You may make a mistake on a report from time to time, but this is not grounds for dismissal.

However, deliberately falsifying any work-related papers is grounds for firing – not to mention you might get sued.

  • Misuse of Company Property

While there is no law against working on side projects in your leisure time, it does become a problem if your primary employment suffers as a result.

You might lose your job if your employer or HR manager finds that you’re exploiting corporate resources for personal benefit.

  • Social Media Trolling

While it’s natural for employees to be upset by excessive workloads, it’s critical to avoid joining or supporting social media trolls who may cast a negative light on your company.

If you’re tagged, this may put your career in jeopardy.

Employee Layoffs

When an employee is laid off, it is usually for reasons unrelated to the employee’s personal performance.

Layoffs occur when a firm restructures, downsizes, or goes out of business.

Employees who are laid off may be eligible to severance compensation or other employee benefits offered by their company in specific situations.

More often than not, layoffs are just temporary, and employees are rehired when the economy improves.

How to Avoid Getting Fired or Laid off

Whether you’re currently in good standing or you need to brush up on a few slacks, there are certain strategies you can adopt to become even more indispensable to your employers.

1. Be more Dedicated to Corporate Goals

Before starting each assignment, consider its relation to your employer’s aims.

Examining your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) thoroughly will make it simpler to align your priorities with those of your company.

2. Work Harder

Following the age-old concept of working harder and smarter is a very effective method to become more productive and impress your boss.

You will be an essential resource to your company if you regularly provide high-quality outcomes.

3. Improve your Skillset

You’ll become even more irreplaceable if you’re continuously learning new skills that are relevant to your position.

The more skills you gather, the easier it becomes to become eligible for promotions and expatriate assignments.

4. Be Accountable

While mistakes are prone to happen from time to time, you should avoid shifting blame.

If you make an error, take responsibility for it, discuss with your supervisor on the best ways to fix it and take the right steps to ensure it does not repeat.

5. Stay Proactive & Information Savvy

Now more than ever, business owners are beginning to place extra value on employees with the ability to create and implement ideas under little supervision.

With so much data available on the internet, it has become increasingly easy to research and find useful updates to put you ahead of the competition. Employees that can sniff out these opportunities and inspire company growth are considered invaluable resource by many employers.

Last Notes…

While job security is high on every employee’s mind, keeping your employer happy is the major recipe to avoid getting fired or laid off.

If you successfully avoid the common red flags listed in this article, and take deliberate steps to impress your boss, you can become even more productive and indispensable.


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