Unfortunately, these days the job market isn’t looking all that good and many have had the unfortunate experience of getting laid off. While this never comes as good news, should you suspect a storm in the horizon, there are a couple of things you can keep in mind to try and keep that storm from making landfall.
Separate yourself from the pack
If a layoff is in the offing, try standing out from other employees through your effort and performance. By the same token, aim to be helpful and maintain a good working relationship with your coworkers.
One surefire way to separate yourself from the majority of your fellow employees is to concentrate on work while you’re on the job. Sounds simple, but it’s easy to get distracted by activities unrelated to work. It’s especially easy to get distracted if your employer is experiencing some difficulties. Workers tend to become less productive when their employer faces business downturns. You can stand out during these times by doing more.
Make yourself more visible
Standing out also means making yourself as visible within the company as possible. Attend staff meetings and company events, even if they’re not mandatory. Arrive on time and be prepared. Participate during staff meetings, even if it’s simply to express support for someone else’s idea or proposal.
You’ll also get noticed if you volunteer for tasks and projects whenever you can. Let your boss know you’re willing to assume more responsibilities and spend more time at your job. If your boss offers you extra tasks and responsibilities, seize that opportunity to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. And if there are no new assignments, come up with a project on your own. Make your boss look good while adding value to your position.
And don’t shy away from discreetly communicating your accomplishments. Periodically update your boss on progress you’re making with a new task or project. It’s another way to demonstrate your value to the company.
Increase your education
You can also stand out by continuing your education. Demonstrate that you’re trying to enhance your job skills by taking advanced courses, even if your employer isn’t paying for them. But if your company offers tuition assistance or programs to defray education costs, take advantage of those opportunities. The more you know, the harder it will be to replace you.
Dress for success
How you dress can leave a lasting impression as well. If you interviewed for your job, you probably dressed in a manner befitting the position for which you were applying. Thereafter, your attire may have become more casual. While overdressing isn’t recommended, spruce up your wardrobe with some new work clothes. Look well-groomed and ready to work. Sometimes a change in your work attire gives your bosses the perception of a new, reenergized employee.
Change jobs within the company
Another way to keep your job is by working in a department that’s performing well. Depending on the size of your company, some areas may be underperforming, while other sections are surging. Find out which departments are holding their own and which sections are lagging. If you’re in an area that’s performing up to par or better, now’s not the time to ask for a change.
But if you happen to work in an underperforming sector, try to be part of the solution and not the problem. Don’t complain about what’s not working; rather, try to figure out what you can do to enhance your department’s performance. In addition, offer to spend time working with growth segments–even if on a voluntary basis. If a position becomes available in a department that’s prospering, consider making an internal move to that area.
As a last resort
As a last resort Despite all your best efforts, if your boss tells you your job is on the chopping block, you may be able to keep your position by offering to take a pay cut or a reduction in hours. If the company really values your performance, they may be able to justify keeping you on at a reduced cost. You may then be able to hang on until the company is in a better position to increase your pay or hours. This would allow you to continue to work while you map out your strategy for a different job, either with your current employer or with a new company.
