Layoff worries?

This morning in my groggy, 6 a.m. haze, I heard on the news that one-in-five workers are worried about layoffs. Given the state of the economy, I don’t know if this is a good sign or a bad one. The pessimist in me thinks it should be higher, while the optimist thinks this isn’t as bad as all the gloom and doom being reported these days.

What is certain is that we are in shaky times and layoffs are occurring across the country from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Some think they are safe because of seniority of a position or how long of a tenure they have, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I told anyone to relax. The CareerBuilder.com writers and experts are always advising workers to keep their résumés current, so why would we say something different now?

The best thing you can do is take a cue from the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.

Here are a few things you can do in case the worst case scenario happens:

1. Get Organized.
Print and take home personal files on your computer and locate copies of your performance appraisals and other personnel records. Review your status reports and project files to help you update your résumé so that it reflects all of your recent accomplishments and newly acquired skills. Think about what you might want to do next and whom you might want to use as a reference.

2. Get What’s Coming to You.
Take advantage of any perks and benefits to which you are entitled. Schedule your checkups and tend to any dental or medical issues while you’re still insured — especially if you’ve already met your deductibles.

If you’ve got a flexible spending account, turn in all outstanding claims to avoid forfeiting any balances. In addition, know exactly how much vacation and floating holiday time you’ve used and make sure you’ve taken credit for your holidays. (Most companies will not honor unused holidays, but will pay you for any remaining vacation.)

3. Get Connected.
Start networking — online with BrightFuse or LinkedIn or in person with the people you see every day. Call your friends, former co-workers and clients. Attend your professional association meetings. Talk to headhunters and corporate recruiters. This is a good time to help others who may be helpful to you in the future.