Recession, recession, recession. Everyone’s talking about it and times are pretty bad for many who have been directly affected by it. But being positive is the best defence you can have in these uncertain economic times. OK, so it’s not full proof and many things are outside of our control but you can put yourself at less risk of losing your job with a bit of positive mental attitude –if cuts need to be made, why should it be you that gets axed?
10 top job-saving techniques
1. For the good of the company. Think about the ways in which you can save the company money in your area of expertise. It may be that none of your ideas hit the spot exactly but as long as they are reasonable suggestions, your efforts will be noted and appreciated. Your company loyalty will be commended.
2. Think about it. If you want to take a holiday, think about your timing. Taking a long vacation in a time of crisis could look bad. Likewise, don’t be late or take extended lunch breaks regularly – these small bug-bears could add up to the perfect justification for getting rid of you over another employee.
3. Re-assert your presence. Get your contributions noticed without being pushy and keep putting forward ideas or sharing knowledge as a way to get noticed.
4. Go above and beyond. Put in the extra hours, beat the deadline, work the odd weekend if it’ll give you an advantage. Anything that suggests dedication to your job and the company will help in rocky times.
5. Morale-boost. Whatever your position in the company, you can help raise morale by either being positive and fun around the office or organising a cheap night out or suggesting everyone goes to lunch. Your positive energy will help make work more enjoyable and get you noticed and talked about. Just be careful of the work/social balance.
6. Update your skills. If you identify a weakness in your skill set, enrol yourself on a cheap course. It could be internet based, a day event or anything that doesn’t eat too much into your life or wallet but it will be seen as hugely proactive and relevant to your company. You’ll give yourself an immediate edge over other employees if you can fill that extra skills tick box.
7. Roll your sleeves up. Don’t undermine yourself but pitch in and help. Spreading yourself into other areas of work to help out a colleague can be seriously good PR. It will give the impression of a broader personal skill set and show you apart as someone who will go the extra mile.
8. Apple-polish. Yes, if there was ever a time to do a bit of ground-work with your boss, now’s the time. That doesn’t mean, walk around with your nose firmly attached to his or her backside but subtle ‘try-hard’ vibes won’t do you any harm.
9. Avoid office politics. There will be a lot of gossip flying around if your company’s business looks at risk. It is important not to get involved in gossip and bad-mouthing at a time like this as employers aren’t blind and you never know when a colleague may throw you to the lions to save their bacon.
10. Keep in touch. Networking is a fundamental part of business. If you are well connected, your present employer will see the value in keeping you and it will make it ten times easier to get another job should the worst happen.