Signs of layoffs can be hard to spot, but if you know what to look for, they can be a helpful warning that your job may be in jeopardy.

The signs are everywhere. Companies are downsizing, and layoffs are becoming more common. If you’re worried that your job might be in jeopardy, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

Millions of people are currently employed in positions that could be eliminated at any moment. So, how can you tell if layoffs are coming for you?

We have curated a list of 100 signs of layoffs to keep you informed. If several of these signs apply to your situation, it might be time to start preparing for the worst. Keep in mind that there’s not much you can do to prevent a layoff from happening, but there are things you can do to make sure you land on your feet if it does happen.

Signs of Layoffs

Layoffs can be hard to predict, but there are often signs that they might be coming. If you’re seeing any of the following signs at your company, it might be time to start preparing for a job search.

100 Signs That Layoffs Are Coming

1. Your company is making cuts in other departments
2. Your company has been acquired by another company
3. Your department has been eliminated
4. You are no longer being given new projects
5. Your workload has been reduced
6. You are no longer being asked to work overtime
7. You are not being given a raise or bonus
8. Your benefits have been reduced
9. You have been told to take a pay cut
10. You have been placed on a performance improvement plan
11. Your job duties have been changed
12. You have been told to train someone in your job
13. You are no longer allowed to work from home
14. Your office is being relocated
15. Your position has been eliminated
16. You have been asked to take a leave of absence
17. You are no longer allowed to use your company car
18. Your company credit card has been canceled
19. You are no longer being reimbursed for business expenses
20. Your office is being closed
21. Your project has been canceled
22. Your company is downsizing
23. Your company is relocating
24. Your team is being restructured
25. Your company is making budget cuts
26. Your department is being restructured
27. You are no longer able to work from home
28. Your expense reports are being closely scrutinized
29. You are being asked to justify your expenses
30. There are rumors of layoffs
31. Your company is making budget cuts
32. The company is not hiring new employees
33. The company is having a hiring freeze
34. Empty desks are being left in the office
35. Your company is using more temporary workers
36. The number of job postings has decreased
37. There are rumors that your position will be eliminated
38. Company social media posts have decreased
39. Company LinkedIn profile views have decreased
40. Colleagues updating LinkedIn profile
41. The company is cutting back on overtime
42. The company is offering early retirement packages
43. The company is offering voluntary separation packages
44. The company is reducing the number of vacation days employees can take
45. The company is eliminating bonuses
46. Boxes in the office
47. Furniture is being removed from the office
48. People are being told to clear out their desks
49. Your company is no longer providing lunch
50. People are being escorted out of the office by security
51. There’s an increase in employee absences
52. People are coming into work late and leaving early
53. You’re seeing more people taking mental health days
54. Vending machines are being removed from the break room
55. The company website has been taken down
56. The company has been sold
57. The company is in the news for layoffs
58. You’re being asked to sign a non-compete agreement
59. You’ve been given a notice of termination
60. You’re no longer able to access your company email or social media accounts
61. All company communication has ceased
62. The company is no longer providing coffee or tea in the break room
63. Upper management change
64. Your direct supervisor is suddenly absent
65. Your direct supervisor is no longer available to meet with you
66. Company founders are no longer involved in day-to-day operations
67. There’s a decrease in company morale
68. People are no longer socializing in the break room or at company events
69. There’s an increase in office politics
70. People are only communicating through email or instant messenger
71. The parking lot is empty
72. Fewer people in the office
73. People are working from home more
74. Increased number of job postings for your company
75. Your company is being bought by another company
76. Your building access card no longer works
77. The security guard at your building is gone
78. More security in the office
79. The copy machine is gone
80. Mail isn’t being delivered to your office anymore
81. Your work phone has been disconnected
82. Your access to company computer systems has been revoked
83. Your IT Support team is no longer available
84. You’ve been asked to turn in your laptop
85. Your health insurance has been canceled
86. Your 401k has been frozen
87. You no longer have access to company databases
88. All of your files have been deleted from the company server
89. Your LinkedIn profile has been removed from the company website
90. More recruiters are contacting you
91. People are talking about their job search in the office
92. You’re no longer invited to important meetings
93. CEO announces layoffs are coming
94. The marketing department is being dissolved
95. The engineering department is being outsourced
96. The entire product line is being discontinued
97. Employees are asked to sign NDAs
98. You’re being micro-managed
99. CEO got fired
100. The company is being sued

If you’re seeing any of these signs at your company, it’s possible that layoffs may be coming. While there’s no guarantee, it’s important to be aware of the signs so you can be prepared.

Who goes first during layoffs?

During layoffs, the first people to go are usually those who are least essential to the company. This includes entry-level employees, part-time employees, and seasonal employees. Contract workers and consultants are also usually the first to be let go.

The next group of people to be laid off are typically those who have been with the company for a shorter period of time. Seniority does play a role in who gets laid off, but it is not the only factor. Companies also consider an employee’s skills, performance, and salary when making decisions about layoffs.

What day do most layoffs happen?

The day of the week that layoffs happen can vary, but they typically occur on Mondays or Fridays. Monday is often referred to as “Black Monday” in the corporate world because it is the day when companies make announcements about mass layoffs.

Friday is also a popular day for layoffs because it allows employees who are being let go to have the weekend to gather their belongings and say goodbye to their co-workers.

Can you be laid off without warning?

In most cases, employees who are being laid off are given some warning. This warning can come in the form of a verbal or written notice, or an email from HR. The amount of time that an employee has to prepare for a layoff varies, but it is typically between one and two weeks.

In some cases, employees may be given a longer notice period if their position is being eliminated as part of a larger restructuring. However, there are also instances where layoffs happen without any warning. This is more likely to occur in small businesses or start-ups that are facing financial difficulties.

How do companies decide to layoff?

Companies usually make the decision to layoff employees based on a number of factors, including financial considerations, business needs, and employee performance. In some cases, layoffs may be necessary in order to meet the company’s budget.

In other cases, they may be due to a decrease in demand for the company’s products or services. And in some instances, layoffs may be a way for the company to get rid of underperforming employees.

What are the long-term effects of being laid off?

The long-term effects of being laid off can vary depending on the individual. Some people are able to find new jobs relatively quickly and suffer no lasting damage to their careers.

Others may have a more difficult time finding new employment and may experience a significant reduction in their standard of living. In some cases, the psychological effects of being laid off can be very damaging and may lead to depression or anxiety.

The Bottom Line

Layoffs are never an easy situation for anyone involved. If you’re worried that your job might be in jeopardy, it’s important to pay attention to the signs that layoffs might be coming.

By being aware of the signs, you can take steps to protect yourself and your career. And if you do find yourself being laid off, remember that it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of people who have gone through the same thing and have gone on to have successful careers.