4 THINGS TO DO AS SOON AS LAYOFF RUMORS HIT THE OFFICE, ACCORDING TO AN HR PROFESSIONAL WITH 20 YEARS' WORTH OF EXPERIENCE

• Leigh Henderson worked in HR for 20 years for five Fortune 100 companies.
• She said workers should speak to a trusted source when layoff rumors start to spread in the office.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leigh Henderson, a 42-year-old CEO of HR Manifesto, in San Antonio. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I worked as an HR leader for nearly 20 years, supporting a handful of Fortune 100 organizations.

Then, after navigating a shocking layoff myself, I started HR Manifesto, a community on TikTok, and I now have a whole new career in content creation and consulting that brings me joy.

When it comes to the workplace, I know people often dread rumors of layoffs, but here's the thing: If you're hearing these rumors, there's probably some truth to them. Instead of denying the rumors, fearing them, or brushing them under the rug, it's best to both take care of yourself and set yourself up for success.

After working in HR, here are four things I'd tell my friends to do if they heard rumors of layoffs happening in their office.

1. Get information from someone who knows

When you hear rumors of layoffs floating around the office, it's important to talk to a trusted source, like a manager.

When in conversation with them, it's acceptable to ask them questions and see if there's any truth to the rumors. Understand, however, that some managers might not be forthcoming, as they do represent the company.

If that's the case, hopefully, you know your manager well enough to read between the lines and interpret their body language, which can tell you more than words. If needed, you can also ask other trusted mentors, advocates, or champions in the organization. These are not usually coworkers or your gossip-obsessed friend, but those in leadership positions who might have some insight.

You might say, "Hey, I'm hearing a lot of rumors. Should I be concerned?"

Ask questions to those you've built relationships with to get more information and protect yourself in the future.

2. Save personal documents

In case the rumors are true, I recommend emailing yourself anything important such as your updated résumé, performance reviews, and any kudos or recommendation letters you've received.

In some cases, when people get laid off they lose access to everything saved at work immediately. If you have these documents saved only at work, now's the time to transfer them to your personal device.

While this is an extreme scenario, it's crucial to retain these documents for your personal records and future prospects. You don't want to lose any information that might be valuable to you.

3. Develop an exit strategy

If you suspect layoffs are coming, it's time to develop a plan or an exit strategy. This might look different for different people, but it may involve warming up old contacts, updating your résumé, talking to your mentor for advice, and researching other businesses and organizations.

I highly recommend an exit strategy because whether layoffs come to fruition or not, networking and updating your résumé can help you. By doing these things, you will feel more in control no matter what happens.

4. Take care of you

When you're worried about layoffs, it's easy to fall into a negative mindset. Instead, while easier said than done, it's best to stay positive and set yourself up for success. This starts by taking care of yourself.

If you're worried about layoffs, remind yourself to focus on fact-based discussions with trusted advisors and to engage in healthy coping mechanisms, like seeking support from friends, mentors, and industry peers who have experienced similar situations.

When worrying about a layoff, I think it's easy to feel alone. You might think, no one can help me. But know that so many others have experienced it too, and understand what you're going through. Even if it's just to vent, tapping into your support system can really help.

I know that when I was laid off unexpectedly over a quick Zoom call, it felt like the worst thing in the world. Now, when I look back, I realize it's the best thing that could have happened. That layoff got me out of a job that was hurtful, toxic, and unhealthy. And it helped me launch the career I have now.

If you get laid off, just know that it's not the end of your career; it's the beginning of what's next for you.

If you're an HR professional with advise on how to navigate the workplace during difficult times, and want to share your story, email Manseen Logan at [email protected].