Do rumors of layoffs have you stressed about job security? According to a survey of 1,900 U.S. workers from career site MyPerfectResume, some 85% of workers are worried about losing their jobs in 2024. To ease your fears, take steps to make yourself indispensable at work. Here are 10 ways to increase your job security, including learning new skills, becoming more efficient and building relationships.
1. Learn New Skills
Whether it's learning the ins and outs of SEO or how to use the latest AI tools, keeping your skills current helps keep you employed. Check job listings in your field to see which skills and qualifications are in demand. Don't neglect "soft skills" such as collaboration, communication, problem solving and conflict resolution. Enhance your expertise by reading, attending industry workshops or conferences, or taking courses on online education platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy or Alison. Take advantage of learning opportunities your employer offers, such as mentoring or cross training. Some employers even help pay for job-related certifications or college degrees.
2. Be a Team Player
Everyone likes employees who do their fair share, help their coworkers out and have a positive attitude. Don't be Debbie Downer; instead, look for ways to motivate and encourage coworkers and find the silver lining in workplace challenges. Rather than complaining about problems, help come up with constructive solutions. Look for ways you can ease the workload for your coworkers and your boss. You'll boost your department's efficiency and teamwork, benefiting both you and your employer.
3. Up Your Productivity
If your job involves performance targets, such as sales quotas, deadlines or output per hour, aim to surpass them. Seek ways to get your work done faster without sacrificing quality. A quick search for "productivity hacks" will turn up plenty of ideas and tools to try, from calendaring apps and AI tools to time blocking tactics or mindfulness practices. Different tactics work for different people; test a variety of ideas to see what makes you most efficient.
4. Stay Current on Your Company's Concerns
Stay informed about your employer's plans and priorities, as well as industry trends that could affect your company (and your job). You can keep up to date by monitoring industry news, reading internal communications like employee newsletters and keeping an ear to the company grapevine. Look for ways you can help your employer achieve its goals and overcome challenges. You might be able to avoid the ax by shifting to a growth department within your company, for example.
5. Build Relationships
Cultivating relationships with coworkers, clients and colleagues increases your visibility. With a strong support network on your side, you're less likely to be laid off. Create outside connections by joining industry organizations and attending networking events. Build internal ties by participating in company activities, clubs or organizations. Make a point of getting to know coworkers in other departments, which can open up new opportunities at work.
6. Volunteer for New Responsibilities or Projects
Offering to lead high-profile projects or take on new tasks at work has several benefits. It raises your profile and shows that you're eager to take on new challenges. Getting involved in cross-departmental or cross-functional projects helps you gain a better understanding of the company. You'll also learn new skills and may even discover lateral career moves you could make.
7. Ask for Feedback
Don't rely solely on annual performance reviews to find out how you're doing. Regularly check with your supervisors to get their suggestions for ways you can improve your performance. Getting feedback in real time, such as right after completing a big project, helps you improve faster and do a better job next time. You're also demonstrating that you're willing to learn and open to constructive criticism.
8. Document Your Successes
Keeping track of your accomplishments helps you demonstrate your value to your employer. When potential layoffs loom, you can point to all the ways you've helped the company. Focus on achievements that saved the company time or money, enhanced productivity, increased sales or market share, or improved processes. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible: "Increased division sales by 25% year-over-year," "Reduced production costs by 20%" or "Improved the customer support team's productivity by 30%." Bonus: If you get laid off, you can add all these items to your resume.
9. Be Adaptable
In today's rapidly changing workplace, you've got to adapt quickly. Demonstrating flexibility and a can-do attitude shows that you're committed to helping your employer succeed and ready to handle whatever your job throws at you. Be ready to roll with change, whether it means learning a new software system or accepting extra shifts at the last minute to help your boss out of a jam.
10. Create a Financial Plan
When you're worried about layoffs, it can be difficult to focus on work. Preparing to handle the worst-case scenario can help reduce stress. Review your finances, including your savings, debt and budget. Calculate your essential expenses and create a bare-bones budget you can follow if you are laid off. Build a solid emergency fund and pay off credit card debt. This will give you a financial cushion you can tap in case of job loss.
The Bottom Line
Following the steps above can not only improve your job security, but also boost your odds of finding a job if you do get laid off. While you're polishing your job skills, take some time to get your finances in order. Start by checking your credit report and credit score. Commit to paying your bills on time and keeping credit utilization low. This can help you maintain a good credit score, which may make it easier to get credit during a financial crunch. Consider signing up for Experian's free credit monitoring service. It keeps tabs on your credit so you have more time to focus on being the best employee you can be.