It's been called the" desperation hustle"102 Employees who want to avoid being laid off want to do whatever they can to look valuable and" irreplaceable." So they clean up their act. Those who might not have paid much attention to their manner of dress now do. Those who were mouthy and argumentative are now quiet and compliant. Those who used to" watch the clock" are now the last to leave. The fear is there, and it's noticeable. Managing employees with that kind of fearful mindset can be a challenge.