Layoff Aftermath - What to do when you are left behind

There are a ton of resources online for folks who have been directly affected by layoffs and the recession. I'm connected to many on Facebook and Twitter who add tremendous value for job seekers from interview or resume tips to personal branding.

I haven't seen a whole lot for those employees who weren't part of the layoff. What do you do once the company has let all those people go? Is it ok to ask questions? Should you immediately start looking for a job?

Most employees realize is that HR a partner with management when preparing and conducting layoffs. They know we prepare the severance agreements and in some cases, are (and should be) in the room when you're notified of layoff. In addition, employees are generally directed to HR if they have any benefit questions so they're pretty clear on our role in the process.

What isn't always clear to the employee, and sometimes HR folks, is that we aren't done once the layoffs are over. It's just as important and business critical for HR to work with managers on the communication to employees who weren't affected by the layoff.

And it doesn't stop there! As an employee, you should know that you are valued and appreciated. Even better, someone (namely your manager, department head, company CEO or President) should tell you, and often. Your company should have an environment and culture that is open and transparent. You should absolutely ask your boss about your role and responsibilities after a layoff and, gulp, be prepared for the answer.

One of the most common reason for layoffs is usually in response to a business downturn or business loss. If a project fails or if a client leaves your company, one would assume that those associated with the project or client are laid off. Sometimes what happens is that the company will keep the top performers from these projects &/or clients and reassign them. There is collateral damage with this approach because employees on other projects or clients who aren't considered top performers go on the layoff list. While you probably won't be told that you were saved from layoff because you are a top performer, there is some solace in knowing that it's probably the reason why you are still there.

Knowing this, the best thing you can remember and do after a layoff is your job. And do it well. Exceed expectations. Demonstrate your value everyday. This is something that you did during the interview process. You outlined it on your resume. Prove your worth every day. Not only will it advance your career, it should positively affect your company's bottom line.

If you don't feel appreciated or if no one communicates with you in your company, then it's probably time to look for another job. Just don't do it on company time or with company equipment or you could end up in the unemployment line with your former colleagues. The only difference is that they've got severance and you don't.