How to Stay Relevant When You’re on the Corporate Bench

Feeling stuck with no real work at your job? Here’s how to take charge, stay relevant, and avoid the dreaded layoff bench in the corporate world.

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If You’re Too Free, You’re Too Close to the Exit Door

No work in sight? Beware. In the corporate world, “too free” often equals “non-essential.” Management watches idle employees like hawks, especially during tough times. A study by Deloitte found that employees with undefined roles are 60% more likely to be laid off during downsizing periods.

This isn’t limited to small companies. Even large MNCs have no space for someone coasting along. An HR expert from a major European firm said, “When people aren’t visibly contributing, they’re seen as dispensable, no matter their past achievements.”

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Admit It, You’re on the Bench

This is the toughest step, accepting you’re sidelined. Nobody wants to admit they’re not contributing. But until you do, there’s no way forward. Yes, being on the bench can feel humiliating. But it’s common. According to an HR consultant in India, “Nearly every employee, at least once in their career, finds themselves in this situation. Denial only makes it worse.”

The first step is to analyze your workload. Are you filling time with busywork, or is your output genuinely needed? If it’s the former, you’re likely on the bench.

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Even the CEO Gets Benched

Being benched isn’t just for mid-level employees. Even CXOs face this. When companies go through transitions, mergers, downsizing, top executives can find their roles sidelined.

Consider the case where a tech CEO in the U.S. who, post-acquisition, was kept as a “strategic advisor” with no real responsibilities. He eventually turned this downtime into an opportunity by writing a bestselling book about business turnarounds. It’s proof that everyone gets benched. What matters is how you bounce back.

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Get Back in the Game

You can’t sit idle and wait for work to fall in your lap. You need to create your own opportunities. Start by identifying gaps or areas where you can add value. Here are some examples of projects to consider

  • Cost Reduction in Manufacturing: If you have insights into production or supply chain processes, suggest cost-cutting measures. For instance, a procurement specialist in an Indian automobile company saved their job by identifying cheaper yet reliable suppliers during a slump.
  • Competitor Analysis in Marketing: Dig into what your rivals are doing better. A marketing professional in a U.K.-based retail chain impressed their bosses by highlighting competitor campaigns that could be adapted for their company.
  • New Product Briefs in Marketing: Research market trends and propose new ideas. In 2021, an employee in a struggling FMCG company developed a brief for a new health drink. That project ended up saving their department from further cuts.
  • Sales Expansion in Untapped Regions: If you’re in sales, explore potential markets. A pharmaceutical rep in India focused on Tier-3 cities, bringing in unexpected growth for their company.
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The key is to think outside your regular job description and make yourself indispensable.

Keep Your Bosses in the Loop

Taking initiative is great, but don’t keep your efforts hidden. Communicate regularly with your superiors about what you’re working on. This isn’t about showing off. It’s about visibility. In today’s corporate world, out of sight means out of mind. Share quick updates or initial findings from your projects to keep them invested in your work.

Managers love employees who show initiative, says a renowned HR consultant from Bengaluru. If they see you’re trying to solve problems, they’re less likely to put your name on the layoff list.

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Start Small, But Start Now

Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Begin with something small and achievable. For instance, if you’re in marketing, start with a detailed competitor report. If you’re in HR, create a plan for employee engagement improvements.

Remember, the effort matters as much as the outcome. A business consultant in Germany shared, one of my clients avoided layoffs simply by suggesting a new team-building program. It showed the management they cared about the company’s future.

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Upskill to Stay Relevant

Finally, use your free time wisely. If you’re not drowning in tasks, it’s the perfect moment to learn something new. Whether it’s a certification in your field or soft skills like leadership, every bit helps. The Indian ITES industry provides a great example. During the pandemic, many tech professionals upskilled in AI or cloud computing while being on the bench. As a result, they became more valuable to their company’s post-crisis.

Having no substantial work isn’t a death sentence for your career. But it’s a warning sign. The key is to accept your situation, take bold initiatives, and show your value to the organization. As one downsizing expert put it, Inaction equals irrelevance. The only way to survive the bench is by proving you’re not just a cost center but an asset.

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