Facing Unemployment During COVID-19? Here’s How You Can Negotiate Your Job Back

With the unemployment rate at an alarming 11.1% as of July 2, 2020 (According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics) and over 17.8 million people out of jobs, the idea of being furloughed, laid off, or fired is a looming reality for many Americans.  But in this case, misery does not like company.  Being faced with a possible layoff, all you can think about is how your own little world is collapsing around you.  

Despite the stark reality we are currently facing, with much future uncertainty and unprecedented circumstances, it’s time we learn how to stand up for ourselves.  Even before you’re staring down at the possibility of a layoff, you should prepare for the conversation no one ever hopes to have.  It’s easier to resist the immediate fight or flight response when you are prepared.   Before diving into how to handle the conversation, should it arise, there are some ways to protect yourself and minimize your chances of a layoff to begin with.

1. Bring More to the Table

It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day functions of a job.  Simply being able to perform a job does not make you indispensable.  When a company is downsizing, they are looking to retain people who can perform as many of the operation’s necessary functions as possible. Take the time to learn a unique soft skill, the basics of someone else’s job, and make an effort to educate yourself in all aspects of the business. Don’t become a purely “operational” employee, instead look to ways you can be more strategic. 

2.  Maintain Good Relationships

It’s much harder to fire someone who you like.  Don’t simply connect with people when you’re on the hunt for a job, but maintain those connections as well as create new ones.  Do people at your company speak highly of you?  Don’t lose support of the people who once championed you.  Connect with your co-workers so they understand the contribution you make! Don’t assume people know how awesome you are and remember to be your own best advocate. 

Now, if the conversation seems inevitable, know there are steps you can take to win your job back.  Keep in mind, this is a conversation, and you might not achieve the optimal outcome. But, it is so much better to enter the conversation with advanced planning than to be completely blindsided.  

Preparing for the Conversation

Manage Your Emotions

As stated earlier, it can be challenging to control emotions when you’re called into your supervisor’s office, and you realize you might be fired.  It can feel like a personal attack. As difficult as it may be, it is important to stay in the present moment.  Listen to what is being said. Take a breath.  Ask for a minute to process.  Try not to flair up in anger.  When you allow yourself to take a moment and not react immediately, you maintain your well-earned reputation. 

Become Your Own Advocate

Much like during an annual performance review, or walking in to negotiating your salary, you’ll need to prove why you are valuable.  When a company is downsizing, they are looking to keep the employees that contribute the most to their performance.  If possible, ask for some time to revisit the conversation, need it be a day or a week and put in the work to gather all your credentials.  It might even be a good idea to have many of these filed away to pull at any time.  Any client testimonials, numbers for closed sales, and calculations for how much money you’ve brought in and made for the company is powerful.  Bring your records as proof. Gather your evidence of your market value. 

One thing is important: don’t beg!  Keep your dignity.  Begging for your job back is not helpful for anyone.  Being able to prove your value on the other hand, is empowering. 

Discuss Your Next Steps

Sometimes, whether it's due to poor performance or massive company-wide belt-tightening, being laid off or fired is unavoidable.  Part of preparing for this conversation is understanding all the possibilities.  Arm yourself with knowledge on what the next steps will be. 

• Ask about getting assistance with finding a new role - ask if the company is able to provide long-term support. Many companies hire consultants to help employees find new jobs. Determine what kind of support your company can provide to you and how long it will last.  Explore coaching options that might ease your transition. 

• Ask about applying for new internal roles - every company’s policy is different. Some may allow you to freelance in the future or may have you sustain a waiting period before rehiring.  If you are let go due to poor performance though, it is not a good idea to ask about these kinds of roles. If you are faced with downsizing due to COVID-19, it is worth asking what opportunities are available to you now and down the line. 

• Go over the details of your severance - you need to take care of yourself first.  Your severance package will have things that could potentially be negotiated. You’ll want to know the details about your health insurance, issuance of your final paycheck, compensation for unused vacation, how you’ll be compensated for travel expenses, and how you will get your belongings back home.  Other compensations to be discussed could be bonuses, stock options, sales commissions, or tuition reimbursements.  Ask how they expect you to transition your work and how long that period will last.  Find out all the details and take a day or two to go over the areas you’d like to negotiate.

• Get everything in writing - for every detail that you go over in the conversation, have written down.  Don’t sign any legal agreements until you have an attorney go over them.  

Whether it’s because of mergers, downsizing, or a pandemic, countless workers inevitably find themselves losing their jobs.  It can happen to the most dedicated and seasoned employee. And it can feel undeniably personal and demoralizing.  There are certain steps you can take to lower your odds when a company is going through these economic strains.  Focus on the bigger picture and ask for what you need, and you’ll find that taking these steps will give you a small sense of empowerment, regardless of the outcome.  Start thinking about your next move - you’re negotiating your future.