To survive the daily hurdles in the workplace, obeying corporate rules and understanding your boss is very key, however, all these cannot guarantee protection against lay-off when the chips are down.
I am being realistic. When companies want to lay-off, they don't just release their best employees but find excuses to lay-off employees that they consider extremely dispensable. This is just a general rule and may not apply in all cases. Some very key employees have been donated for termination for various reasons, however, the following tips will help you remain relevant.
1. Save your Company Money
Do you have an idea for how your company can cut costs? Pitch it! Whether it's moving towards soft copy to save on printer paper, or a killer idea to streamline your supply chain, now is the time to show management you understand the importance of the bottom line.
Even if they don't adopt your brilliant plan, they'll respect your eye for savings and appreciate your effort.
2. Be Positive
No one wants to work with a “Negative Nancy.” Ever. And especially not now. Bad news abounds, and frankly, everyone is really tired of it.So, instead of complaining about the state of the economy, rising gas prices, or your mother-in-law, focus on the positive. Share on-the-job success stories.
Be optimistic about your company and focus on steps you can take to have a positive impact on its future. Share good news (when you come across it). Make jokes where appropriate. Smile. Things can't be that bad for you. You still have a job, remember?
3. Don't always be the first to be leave
I'm not suggesting you stay until midnight. I'm not even suggesting you miss prime time. What I am suggesting is that you be prepared to stay until the task at hand is finished. In the past, you might have left work at 5 p.m., just short of completing something (reasoning that you'd finish it up in the morning). Nowadays, it's good practice to stick around that extra half-hour or hour it takes to get it done. You may also consider coming in fifteen minutes early so that you can get yourself organized before the workday begins. You don't want to be the girl who's scrambling to start-up her laptop in time for 9 a.m. meeting.
4. Be a leader
You might not have a manager's job title, but that doesn't mean you can't act like you do. Being a leader means helping others. It means understanding the bigger picture. It means being vocal about possible improvements and thinking not just about yourself and your position, but about the overall goals of the organization. Companies need leaders. Right now, you need to be needed. If you've got leadership qualities you've been sitting on, now is the time to let them emerge.
5. Steer Clear of gossip
As tempting as it can be, don't get sucked into office gossip. As soon as you do, you implicate yourself, make enemies, and come off as unprofessional. If someone else insists on telling you something, make sure it stops with you.
The workplace might sometimes feel like high school, but it isn't (thank God!). The ramifications of being the office gossip are a lot more serious than detention or a missed birthday party invite.
6. Enhance Your Skill
You've got what it takes to do the job you're doing. Obviously. But why not enhance your skill set to make yourself even more valuable to your team? Or better at your job? Faster? Maybe some basic HTML, or Photoshop would allow you to take on more of your company newsletter?
Whatever your industry, there is always room for improvement. Now is a great time to explore any additional skills that will turn you into an indispensable employee. And with so much information out there, you can do so at a minimal cost. If you can't afford to take a night class, buy a book (or check one out from the library!) or take an online tutorial. And once you become a master at your chosen skill, you can offer to lead a workshop for the entire team. Voila. You've just become a leader (see #4)!
7. Be A Team Player
It may sound cheesy, but think of your workforce as a family. After all, you spend eight hours a day together, you depend on each other for the survival of the business, and you have no choice but to at least tolerate one another.
Now more than ever, effective collaboration is seen as a key driver of success. So put aside differences in age, background and interests, and learn how to communicate effectively with your teammates.
8. Be Visible
Modesty is a sweet quality. Except, of course, in a recession. If you're working late, helping others and/or coming up with new, killer ideas, make sure someone (other than your mother) knows about it. Give your manager regular updates on your progress. Even a weekly or semi-weekly recap of your accomplishments, sent by email, will do the trick. You're not bragging, you're just making sure they know what you've been working on. Let's face it: if you don't toot your own horn, no one else will.
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