In some cases, companies might decide to lay off a large number of employees in order to reduce costs and improve profitability. This can be especially common during economic downturns or times of financial stress, when companies are facing reduced revenues or increased expenses.

In other cases, companies might lay off employees as part of a restructuring or reorganisation effort. This can involve reorganising the company's operations, changing its business model, or refocusing on a different market or product line.

Regardless of the reason, mass layoffs can be difficult for both the affected employees and the company as a whole. They can lead to financial hardship and stress for the employees who lose their jobs, and they can also create a negative image for the company and damage its reputation.

In the short term, layoffs can lead to immediate financial pressures, as employees may need to find new sources of income to replace the lost salary. This can be especially challenging if the employee has dependents or significant financial obligations.

In the longer term, layoffs can have negative impacts on an employee's career and earning potential. For example, an employee who has been laid off may have a harder time finding a new job, especially if they have been out of work for an extended period of time. This can lead to a loss of income and opportunities for advancement, which can have long-term effects on an employee's career and earning potential.

Layoffs can also have psychological and emotional impacts on affected employees. Losing a job can be a major source of stress and can lead to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and insecurity. It can also have negative impacts on an employee's sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

In addition to the impacts on individual employees, mass layoffs can also have broader social and economic impacts, such as increased unemployment and reduced consumer spending.

1. Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, can be valuable in a wide range of career fields.
2. Problem-solving skills: The ability to analyze and solve problems can be valuable in a variety of contexts, including in the workplace and in everyday life.
3. Collaboration skills: The ability to work effectively with others, both in teams and in diverse groups, can be valuable in a range of settings.
4. Leadership skills: The ability to lead and motivate others can be valuable in both professional and personal contexts.
5. Digital literacy: Familiarity with technology and the ability to use a range of digital tools can be valuable in today's increasingly digital world.
6. Creativity: The ability to think creatively and generate new ideas can be valuable in a wide range of career fields.
7. Time management skills: The ability to manage one's time effectively and prioritize tasks can be valuable in both personal and professional contexts.

It is worth noting that these are just a few examples of the many skills that could be valuable for students to learn. The specific skills that are most important will depend on the individual student's goals and interests, as well as the demands of the job market.

1. Building a strong skill set: Employees can try to build a strong skill set that is in demand in the job market, which can make them more valuable to their current employer and also increase their options if they do face a layoff.
2. Staying up to date with industry developments: Employees can also try to stay up to date with industry developments and trends, which can help them to identify new opportunities and adapt to changes in the job market.
3. Networking: Employees can try to build and maintain a professional network, which can help them to learn about new job openings and potentially secure new job opportunities if they do face a layoff.
4. Diversifying income: Employees can also try to diversify their income by finding ways to supplement their primary job, such as through freelance or part-time work. This can help to reduce their financial reliance on a single source of income.
5. Saving money: Employees can also try to save money in anticipation of potential financial challenges, such as by building an emergency fund or reducing expenses.

It is worth noting that there is no foolproof way to completely secure one's career against unanticipated layoffs, as job security can be affected by a wide range of factors. However, by taking proactive steps such as these, employees can increase their resilience and improve their options if they do face a layoff.