Based on analysis of 50+ major corporate restructurings, these signals appear 6-12 months before layoffs:
Early Warning Signs (12 months out):
- New "innovation labs" or "digital transformation offices" appear
- Consultants from Big 4 firms start "efficiency audits"
- Company begins highlighting AI investments in earnings calls
- Hiring freezes in traditional roles while AI positions growYellow Alert (6-9 months out):
- Pilot programs for AI tools in your department
- Sudden interest in "documenting processes"
- New metrics focused on "productivity per employee"
- Leadership talks about "doing more with less"Red Alert (3-6 months out):
- Process standardization initiatives
- Requests to train AI systems with your expertise
- Reorganization rumors
- Stock price rises on "efficiency gains"