<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
how does a company select people to layoff on a recession?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Usually, companies conducting layoffs have a “cost-saving target” in mind. Companies figure out how much they would need to cut costs to extend their runway by a certain number of months, and then use that figure to decide the number of staff they need to lay off. 
They analyse which departments and people are most essential to business function, and decide what the “minimum viable organisation” would look like for the business to continue running while hitting that cost-saving target.

Typically the functions that are most affected by layoffs, in decreasing order, are: 

1) Support roles (recruitment, operations, HR and finance)
2) Individuals from sales and commercial who are underperforming (low return on investment)
3) Product and engineering staff who are working on product lines aside from the company’s core product
4) Staff from the core product team


Within these categories, employees may be laid off based on a few different systems, listed here in order of objectivity:

1) Last in first out, where the most recently hired are laid off first
2) Performance metrics, where employees with a worse mathematically determined performance are laid off first
3) Forced rankings, where managers opinions of performance are used to determine who to lay off first

These are selected based on the level of available information, and ease of defending layoff decisions in court.

The CEO, CFO and Chief People Officer “drive decision-making” on layoffs, with the internal communications team and legal team closely involved.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Is there any way I can reduce my chances of being laid off during a recession?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Yes, there are several ways to reduce the chances of being laid off during a recession:

Perform well: One of the best ways to avoid being laid off is to perform well in your job. This means being productive, meeting deadlines, and exceeding expectations.

Show your value: Make sure your employer knows your value to the company. Highlight your accomplishments, your skills, and your contributions.

Be flexible: During a recession, companies may need to make changes to their operations. Be open to changes in your job duties or schedule, and be willing to take on additional responsibilities.

Be proactive: Look for ways to improve processes or cut costs in your department. This can demonstrate your commitment to the company and help keep you on the team.

Network: Build relationships with colleagues and managers in other departments. This can help you learn about potential job opportunities within the company and give you a better chance of being considered for other roles.

Stay informed: Keep up to date on news and trends in your industry and the broader economy. This can help you anticipate potential changes and position yourself accordingly.

Remember, even if you do everything right, sometimes layoffs are inevitable during a recession. It's important to have an emergency fund and a plan in case you do lose your job.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
I just joined Google as a software engineer, should I be afraid?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
No, you should not be afraid. Congratulations on your new job! Joining Google as a software engineer can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with talented colleagues. However, it can also be challenging and demanding at times. It's important to be prepared to work hard, learn new skills, and adapt to the fast-paced environment at Google. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek guidance, and take advantage of the resources and support available to you. With the right attitude and approach, you can thrive at Google and make a valuable contribution to the company.<|im_end|>