It may seem cold-hearted, but this is exactly how a recent lay-off went in our office. On the morning of the previously announced lay-off, the engineers huddled together keeping watch for signs of management. When a manager would dart towards us we’d all scatter back to our own cubes; but no safety could be found for the targets, and those fated to be laid-off were picked out from among us one by one.

As engineers, we often borrow some of our best solutions from the natural world. Interestingly enough, the response animals have taken to predators are applicable to avoiding our own pink-slip predators.

Clean me up Scotty!

At every reef around the world you can find “cleaning stations” places where small fish setup shop to feast on algae and parasites plaguing other fish. These cleaning fish enjoy freedom from creatures which would normal consider them prey. They are allowed to swim around freely, sometimes working inside the very mouths designed to rip them to shreds.

Take a cue from these cleaning fish, make yourself irreplaceable to your bosses by attacking the problems that plague them. Understanding the needs and metrics that they are responsible for, and helping fulfill those can keep you off bosses the hit list when the time comes.

A need… for speed.

The cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal, chasing down its prey at 70 mph. How can you avoid a predator like this? Simple: be nearly as fast and much more agile, just like the 50 mph gazelle which can change velocity much faster than the straight-line speeding cheetah.

Like no other field, engineering is constantly on the move. Staying up to date on current technology, techniques, and industry trends equals staying fast and agile. Slowing down and losing touch with what’s going on in the industry and/or failing to adopt or adapt to new technology, is a perfect way to make yourself vulnerable when the lay-offs roll around.

Hide with Pride

Fight or flight isn’t really the only 2 options in the animal kingdom. Sometimes it pays to not be seen at all. Highly evolved camouflage helps countless animals avoid predators by seemingly vanishing into the background.

Staying hidden can be as simple as not sticking out in the office. Don’t get involved in gossiping or rumors, even more importantly stay away from being the topic of office gossip and rumors. Be polite and smile at everyone you come across, but when things get tough, don’t complain, or vent because it can, and often does, get back around to the boss. Keep your head and down, and keep working hard.

Most analysts predict that the economic recovery efforts won’t prove fruitful anytime soon. This means few construction projects, fewer government contracts, less frequent technology refreshes, and the ever looming threat of lay-offs. Huddling yourself in a group of coworkers is human nature, but by being proactive in defense of your job you can stay one step ahead of the office predators.