Preparing for a wave of offshoring-related layoffs

PetManimal writes: "The Brookings Institution has released a PDF report that paints a grim picture of the affect of offshoring on metropolitan economies in the United States. The report says at least 17 percent of computer programming, software engineering, and data entry jobs are likely to be offshored in certain metropolitan areas, especially in the Northeast and West. Another estimate of the impact of offshoring on IT found that 49 out of 50 states have cities that will be impacted by offshoring (Wyoming was the only state not affected). One of the people interviewed for the second article gave some advice on detecting layoffs, and avoiding them:

A layoff can come for many reasons, such as a merger or spin-off or economic changes. Most workers will detect some warning signs, such as seeing a manager's office doors closed more often and having formerly positive feedback on job performance suddenly turn negative, [independent IBM consultant Jamie] Giovanetto said. Memos outlining new cost-saving initiatives or "stupid cost-cutting" measures, such as reducing office supplies, are another tip-off, he said. He recommends reading a company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, as well as networking with customers and competitors who may have insights. Avoiding a layoff requires you to give the best you can on the job, but even little things can make a difference, Giovanetto said. Working at becoming a subject-matter expert and keeping a clean, organized and professional-looking work space may lead to better assignments. "It's just an appearance thing, but it does pay benefits," he said.

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