How to hold on to your job
How to hold onto your job
Right now redundancy is a very real threat. There are, however, things you can do at work to lessen the risk – starting with altering your attitude.
If…
- You’re introverted and refuse to socialise with your colleagues
- You’re less interested in detail and deadlines
- You’re set in your ways
- You’re critical, negative or the office gossip
- You don’t find time to network and talk to people only when there’s a specific purpose
…beware!
According to a Selby Mills survey of individuals who had lost their jobs, these traits were widely shared. So if any apply to you, think about putting the following suggestions into practice as soon as you can.
Stay informed about your employer
Keep in touch with what’s happening in the company so you can understand how your role fits into the larger picture. This way, you’ll be able to anticipate when downsizing is about to occur and if you’re likely to be on the redundancies list.
Make sure your boss and your boss’s boss recognise you and know what you do
Raise your profile at work: be more proactive in proposing initiatives or sharing information and have informed questions ready to ask in meetings. It’s important you show the people who run the company you care about what they do, and moreover, that your presence would be missed.
Share your achievements.
Don’t be shy about acknowledging when you have done something effective. Make sure you regularly update your boss on the great work you’ve been doing.
Evaluate yourself.
Try to imagine what your boss and your colleagues would say about you. Do you carry out work they consider important to the success of a team or the business? If you can get an understanding of this you can then work on your reputation and positioning.
Try to come in early and stay late now and then.
Although we wouldn’t recommend working long hours generally, if you think your job may be at risk, it’s a good idea to come in early or stay late occasionally. This will prove your commitment to the business and supports the necessity of your role. For the same reasons, don’t spend time on Facebook or playing with your mobile phone during work hours.
Offer to take on additional work.
If you know the organisation is under pressure because several people have already been let go, offer to take on more work or responsibility. The idea is to make yourself indispensible.
Avoid complaining about things.
During a recession you should be grateful that you have a job so stop yourself bad-mouthing the company, management or your colleagues.