Becoming a Lay-off Proof Employee
Even if you didn’t lose your job in the last round of layoffs, it is still a stressful time for you. Though the situation may seem to have improved, the economy will still take some time to recover. You don’t know when your number will be called. It may be tough, but that is the current reality. Good thing there are ways for you to protect your job from being the next one to be axed. The following are tips on how to be a lay-off proof employee.
Know the ins and outs of the trade.
This means you need to work for the company itself, and not just working to keep your job. You may think that it entails the same, but there’s a subtle difference. When you work like you own the company, you would be more involved in company affairs, and would be more willing to learn the company operations inside and out. Because of this, you make yourself more indispensible to the company because of the knowledge that you’ve gained. Aside from that, you also show that you’re in tune with the ideals of the company that you’re working for.
Learn new skills to improve your work performance.
At this time, you need to be able to wear multiple hats. When it comes down the line, employers are going to choose a person who has several skills over someone who is limited to his or her particular field. So, one way you can protect yourself from being canned is to learn new skills and take on different work assignments not directly related to your work. By doing this, you show the management your flexibility and the richness of your skill set.
Another thing that you can consider is changing careers. Though not directly related to keeping your job, you can start training for recession-proof jobs, like in the information technology and health sector. If you’re still young and have the knack for it, this is one option for you to get a job that’s relatively “safe” from recessions and layoffs.
Be proactive.
Nothing makes you more visible to the management than by being proactive. This means you should make suggestions on how to make your workplace better, or come up with new schemes to make your company more profitable. If there are new projects and initiatives, you can volunteer to be part of those projects. This is part of making yourself indispensable to the company, and pushing your value as an employee. You may look like kissing up to the boss, but not necessarily. Kissing up and being proactive have differences, and the main distinction is if you can make your company better and more profitable.
Due to the recession, people are becoming more and more worried about job stability. But instead of being anxious, you should do your best to present yourself as an asset to the company. Though it may seem manipulative, that is the reality of today’s workplace. If you’re not needed, you’ll be pushed aside. But if you perform and present yourself as a valuable worker to your employers, you improve your chances at retention. If you want a short version of it, just do a great job and make sure your bosses know about it.
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