Are you on the verge of being fired?

With major corporations reducing their workforce, cutting costs and perks, no occupation seems to be recession-proof in the current economic climate. So, as you struggle to save your job and your livelihood, it���s important to be cautious should the worst happen.
Here are some indications that your job is in danger...
Rumours of imminent layoffs
Not to say that you should believe every piece of gossip you hear, at times, it���s important to be alert and have a back up plan.Supervisors generally try to keep such information from reaching employees prematurely, so as not to affect employees��� morale thus minimizing the risk of panic. But such secrets are hard to keep in the office, so it���s vital to heed to such rumours which may be a warning sign that your job is in danger.
Shweta Raghuvansi, an HR professional with a leading multi-national company in Delhi opines, ���While rumours of lay offs may not always be true, but it is a good idea to pay attention to what has been happening around you and interact with your colleagues and seniors to find out if the company is downsizing, be prepared for the worst and have a back up plan.���
Your workload reduces
Even though it may seem like a welcome relief initially, if your responsibilities are being slowly stripped away, there are chances that the company is waiting to phase you out. If you see your peers or colleagues being given important tasks, while you are left with meagre work, it���s a warning sign of an approaching dead end. Also, if you find yourself being shifted to another department or being used to fulfill and undesirable position, it���s likely that your job is in great danger.
Naveen Pathak, a Mumbai based corporate trainer opines, ���It is certainly important to be alert and have a back up plan in times of recession. You may have to put more effort than required to prove your worth and position in the company. If you find your workload diminishing, it may mean that your company doesn���t have enough reasons to retain you.���
Your work is being scrutinised
Are you being asked to keep a daily record of your tasks? Is your attendance being closely watched? If yes, it���s time to be cautious. If you find your supervisors being too critical about your work or apprehensive handing new projects to you, it is very likely that your company is all set to downsize staff and minimize costs.
���If your bosses are too critical about your work or are asking you to keep a detailed record of your tasks, or are closely supervising your productivity, it's likely that your job is in jeopardy. It is advisable to fasten your seat belt and enhance your skills and productivity to avoid being fired,��� adds Naveen.
Boss��� body language can say it all
Sometimes the decision to lay off a subordinate can weigh heavily on a manager. So, an effective way to find out what���s on your boss���s mind is to closely observe his/her body language. If your boss has been friendly with you thus far and suddenly starts maintaining a safe distance, avoids making eye contact, swiftly gets up from the chair or is uneasy having a conversation with you, it is likely that your employer may be trying to replace you with a cheaper alternative.
Savita Mishra, a body language expert suggests, ���Body language helps gaining an insight into the person���s thoughts. If your boss is fidgeting too much, avoiding eye contact, raising his/her voice, resting his/her chin on palm, it means that he/she is critical and negative towards you. Rubbing his/her nose is a sign of doubt. Observing a person���s body language may help you to understand what is on his/her mind.���
Being asked to train a colleague
This is undoubtedly one of the most obvious signs that you are on the verge of being fired. If you are asked to share your files, contacts and passwords with any of your co-workers, it is likely that your manager is preparing to fill the void once you have left. So, if you have recently been asked to train your colleague in various skills it���s time to watch out and send out a few job applications.
���Organisations try to train co-workers if they have lay offs on their agenda. They make sure to fill the void lest the work gets affected while making sure they do not create a panic situation. Being asked to share your documents and skills with your colleagues may very likely mean that you are on the verge of being fired,��� adds Shweta.
Lack of ammenties
Companies may also resort to indirect means to downsize the current workforce by creating situations so that employees are forced to leave without being required to give them pink slips. So if you are being shifted to another department, being asked to fill and undesirable position or being asked to work at odd hours without being provided conveyance, it���s likely that you are being asked to exit.
���It���s important to be pragmatic when assessing the situation. Be cautious when you read the signs as taking a hasty decision may cost you your livelihood. If it looks like downsizing is in the forecast and your organisation is showing you the exit door by reducing costs on basic amenities and forcing you into unappealing tasks or your boss is jumping the ship, may be it���s time for your to make a move too.,��� adds Naveen.
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