Steps to Recession Proofing a Job

How Employees Can Ensure They Have Job Stability

Aug 1, 2009 Trakena Prevost

In this economic recession, there are a few strategies that employees can take to make sure that they have staying power within their companies.

Turn to any news station or read any paper and its hard not to see some sign of the difficult economic times that exist today. With unemployment at 9.5% and countless jobs lost, it’s become obvious that these times are not just a passing fad, and that recovery will take time. While these realities may cause employees to fear for their job security, there are steps they can put in place to ensure their survival.

Become Indispensable on the Job

Becoming indispensable is not about staying power, but about being an asset to the company and those in charge. Whether it’s taking the time to increase the profitability of an employer, or just putting forth more than the required amount of effort every day, if an employee achieves this status he or she can feel more secure in their position.

Steps to Achieve Indispensable Job Status

Since the economic crisis began in December 2007, many news organizations have written on this subject. One common thought in obtaining job stability is to go above and beyond with the duties given. Employees should arrive early and be willing to stay late, and do it with a happy attitude. Be that employee who can be counted on to get a job done in a timely manner, and to do that job well.

Another way employees can ensure their survival is to create new projects that are of value to the company. Find new and innovative ways to market the company’s products and services. Figure out strategies to streamline the business processes to improve efficiency and save the employer money. Working on new projects not only keeps the employee busy, but also shows the executives that they have more talent to gain from the person’s experience – that the employee has more to add to the company.

Taking on the duties of released employees is another way to show value. By enabling the company to get the same work done with fewer people, the employee is saving the employer money; but be cautious. Sometimes, if it’s shown that the duties can be handled by one person, the employer may decide to continue operating that way – even after the recession is over. So, employees need to make sure they don’t take on more than they can deal with on a long term basis.

One option rarely discussed is how to become indispensable by doing the assignments and tasks that bosses dislike performing. An employee must be watchful for these opportunities and act accordingly. If the manager hates to perform terminations and the employee is in a position where he or she can take that on, then he should do it. No matter how uncomfortable it may be, it’ll solidify that employee’s standing with the manager, and give him or her a good reputation that could ensure lasting success.

One might also focus on continually being alert to any pressing need of the company overall, and taking care of it. It’s all about being aware.

The Employee's Achievement List

Another good strategy for obtaining job security in this recession is to always keep an achievement list. This list is a document that details an employee’s accomplishments, skills, projects completed, and work experience that are of value to the company. If an employee should ever need to illustrate his or her talents or contributions, this document could prove very handy.

Developing this list is fairly simple. Employees need to look back over their job history and pinpoint those experiences and projects of value to note and detail. Be specific. Employees should explain not only the objectives of the project, but the role they played and the outcome. It’s best to continually update this list, that way it’ll be ready for any occasion. The achievement list is a valuable tool for many situations, including interviews, resume building, and salary negotiations.

In these perilous times, employees should do everything they can to ensure job stability. By working to become an indispensable part of their companies team, employees can not only build a solid job foundation, but can also have the tools needed for career success.

The copyright of the article Steps to Recession Proofing a Job in Career Advice is owned by Trakena Prevost. Permission to republish Steps to Recession Proofing a Job in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Employees Must Work Hard to Ensure Job Stability

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