· 01:16
Welcome to Work Better, I’m your host, Anna Burgess Yang. Today, we’re talking about how to protect yourself during a company upheaval—layoffs, restructuring, new leadership or strategy shifts. First, get clarity on your role. Ask your manager, “Do I have any new responsibilities, and how will my performance be evaluated now?” Then get it in writing—even a quick follow-up email that says, “Based on our conversation, I understand that my role now includes X, Y, and Z.” Next, know your boundaries. When someone drops more work on your plate, don’t just say yes. You can say, “I can take this on— which of my other responsibilities should I de-prioritize?” Or set a weekly cap: “I’m at capacity this week. Can we revisit this next week?” Finally, remember that loyalty isn’t always reciprocated. Watch for red flags—frequent leadership turnover, unclear strategy, poor communication—and keep your résumé updated and LinkedIn polished. The company will protect its interests first. Make sure you protect yours, too. Thanks for listening to Work Better.
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