Who companies look to keep during layoffs

It's a tough time to be an employee at any level of an organization that is facing job cuts. Many workers way be wondering if their job would be in peril if the pink slips were handed out tomorrow.

However, companies may look to keep certain types of employees when forced to trim the workforce. Susan Miele, senior partner with Boston-based Camden Consulting Group, says the following five types of employees are ones companies may aim to keep during a layoff.

1. High-potentials. High-potentials are employees who are deemed likely to progress at a fast pace and are capable of moving up one or two levels within the organization over the course of just a few years.

2. Key talent. These are the employees who have critical skills or knowledge in important business areas and are above-average performers.

3. Solid contributors. These employees are the backbone to most organizations, as they provide consistent results. Companies see them as vital to maintaining a balance in the talent pool, and some of these employees may be seen as potential key talent in the future.

4. Emerging leaders. These are the workers who are seen as both high-potentials and high performers. They are positioned to take on more responsibility immediately, and once they have mastered a leadership role, are ready for the next level.

5. Identified successors. These folks are viewed as imperative to keep during a workforce reduction, as they are vital to the organization's future success.

They can help ensure the company emerges from a period of layoffs in a stronger position. Typically, a big investment has been made in these successors and companies will look to take advantage of that in challenging times.