The global tech market is witnessing huge uncertainty in 2026, with thousands of employees facing role changes, restructuring and layoffs across companies. Amidst this changing landscape, entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo shared a detailed post that outlines the early warning signs of potential job loss and steps employees can take to protect their careers.
According to reports, there have already been more than 71,000 layoffs in the tech sector this year, even though 2026 is still in its early months. One major development is Oracle, which has reportedly cut around 10,000 jobs in India as part of a wider global restructuring affecting nearly 30,000 employees.
Uncertainty in the technical workplace
Changes across the industry, including an increased focus on cost control and the growing role of artificial intelligence, have contributed to changes in teams, roles and priorities. For many employees, these transitions are gradual rather than sudden, making them more difficult to detect early.
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In this context, Warikoo stressed that employees should remain alert to certain behavioral and organizational changes in their workplace.
Warning signs employees should watch for
In a LinkedIn post, Warikoo wrote, “There will be over 71,000 tech layoffs in 2026. And that’s just 4 months into the year.” He then outlined three key warning signs that may indicate an increased risk of job loss.
Check out the post here:
The first, he says, is when an employee’s work starts to fall by the wayside. “Your tasks are assigned to others. You are not part of important meetings or projects. The company diminishes your importance,” he noted.
The second sign relates to managerial involvement. “Promotions or appraisals are constantly delayed. There are no discussions about your career growth. Your emails are increasingly unanswered,” he said.
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The third indicator is reducing the number of employees without recruiting replacements. “Teams are getting smaller – one person is now expected to fill the role of three others. There is a sudden push to cut costs or make changes such as working strictly from the office,” added Warikoo.
Steps to overcome job insecurity
In addition to warning signs, Warikoo also suggested practical measures for employees to prepare for potential disruptions.
He recommended building a financial safety net and recommended that individuals have at least six to 12 months of expenses saved up. He also stressed the importance of documenting one’s work, noting that tracking achievements and communication can help when transitioning between jobs.
Warikoo further emphasized the role of professional networks. He said staying connected can open up opportunities, often through referrals. In addition, he encouraged employees to remain visible at work by actively participating in discussions and sharing their contributions.
Another key suggestion was to track where companies are investing. A slowdown in innovation or forward-looking projects can signal deeper organizational changes, he says.
Online response
Warikoo’s post drew several reactions from users, many of whom shared similar observations.
One user wrote: “Change often comes without warning, but preparation brings peace of mind. Keep your value visible and your skills sharp.”
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Another commented: “When companies stop planning for the long term and go into purely short-term survival mode, roles will quietly become optional.”
A third user, identifying himself as an HR professional, said that layoffs often show early signs. “Shifting priorities, reduced visibility and declining investment in certain roles or teams” are common indicators, the user noted.
Others have pointed out that many warning signs are behavioral rather than structural, so they are only apparent when employees pay close attention to workplace dynamics.
