4 Ways to Set Yourself Apart During "Operational Efficiency" Layoffs in the HR Industry

"Operational efficiency" layoffs are becoming increasingly common in the HR industry as companies look to cut costs and streamline their operations. If you're an HR professional, it's important to know how to set yourself apart and increase your chances of keeping your job during a layoff.

Here are three ways to do just that:

Develop specialized skills that are in demand.

One of the best ways to make yourself indispensable to your employer is to develop specialized skills that are in demand. This could include things like experience with a particular HR software program, knowledge of a specific industry, or expertise in a particular area of HR, such as talent acquisition or employee relations.

By developing specialized skills, you'll make yourself more valuable to your employer and less likely to be laid off. 

PS: Acquiring HR Micro-Credentials is an increasingly popular form of increasing and promoting specialized HR skills. 

Build strong relationships with your colleagues and clients.

Another important way to set yourself apart during layoffs is to build strong relationships with your colleagues and clients. This will not only make you more enjoyable to work with, but it will also make it more difficult for your employer to let you go.

When you have strong relationships with your colleagues, they're more likely to advocate for you during a layoff. And when you have strong relationships with your clients, they're more likely to speak up on your behalf if your job is on the line.

Be proactive and take on additional responsibilities.

Finally, one of the best ways to show your employer that you're valuable is to be proactive and take on additional responsibilities. This could involve volunteering for new projects, taking on leadership roles, or simply going above and beyond what's expected of you.

By being proactive and taking on additional responsibilities, you'll show your employer that you're a hard worker who's willing to go the extra mile. This will make you more likely to be retained during a layoff.

Quantify your impact to the business.

In addition to the three tips above, you can also set yourself apart during layoffs by quantifying your impact to the business. This means being able to show your employer how your work has contributed to the company's success.

There are a number of ways to quantify your impact, such as:

• Tracking the number of hires you've made and the cost savings you've generated.
• Measuring the employee engagement levels of your team and the impact this has had on productivity.
• Calculating the ROI of your HR initiatives.

By being able to quantify your impact, you'll be able to show your employer that you're a valuable asset and that you deserve to keep your job.

Conclusion

"Operational efficiency" layoffs are a reality in the HR industry, but there are things you can do to set yourself apart and increase your chances of keeping your job. By developing specialized skills, building strong relationships, being proactive, and quantifying your impact, you can make yourself indispensable to your employer and less likely to be laid off.