By David Hakala on March 10, 2008
Ref: http://www.hrworld.com/features/avoid-layoffs-031008/
Read any newspaper, and you will learn that companies are laying off hundreds — or even thousands — of workers. It is a scary time because the decisions about who gets laid off seem entirely out of one's control. But in many cases, there are steps that you can take to increase the odds of keeping your job, or at least a job of some sort.
First, you need to make yourself more valuable than the next person. Remember the old joke about the two men who were running from a charging lion? “Do you think we can outrun him?” said one man to the other. “I don’t care about him,” said the other man, “all I have to do is outrun you.” It is a grim fact that in the race to avoid being laid off, the swiftest workers survive. You have to be more valuable than the next person in every way.
Do a great job. Average or mediocre employees are usually the first to be laid off. When rumors of layoffs start flying, it is all too common for morale and productivity to decline. But this is the time when you must put forth extra effort to do the very best job you can. Now is the time to work longer and harder.
Doing a great job means more than just showing up, putting in the hours and doing what you are told. It means finding ways to add value to the work that you do for your employer.
The Added-Value Action Plan
You can start adding value by reviewing your job description. Make a list of all your duties. Are you getting everything done exceptionally well? Next, write down all of the other tasks that you routinely perform (those that aren't in your job description) that add value to your work. Rate each of the tasks you do on a scale of one to five, with five being outstanding. How much value are you really adding?
Now is the time to look for other things that you could be doing to add value. Make a list of them and create an action plan to add them to your current workload. Specify how each new task would add value to your job in the form of money saved or earned for the company.
Collaborate with your boss on this added-value plan. Ask your supervisor how you can add more value to your job. Show him or her the worksheet you have made and the duites that you would like added to your job. What seems like added value to you may be a waste of time in your boss's eyes. Incorporate your manager's ideas into your added-value action plan. Show off what you are doing and ask to do more.
Once you complete your action plan, it is time to act on it. Post it on the wall and review it every day to make sure that you are doing all you can to keep your job.
Stay Positive
Be a pleasant co-worker, no matter how gloomy the layoff outlook may be. People who make others uncomfortable or demoralized are more likely to be laid off. Keep your spirits up no matter what.
Prepare to be flexible if layoffs become a reality. In some cases, you may be offered a job in another location. In other instances, you might be offered a lower-grade job at a reduced salary. These options are often better than none.
Finding a new job or starting your own business is yet another way to avoid being laid off. You can start now to renew your network contacts, work with recruiters or prepare a business plan.
When layoffs appear on the horizon, you don’t need to stand frozen like a deer in the headlights. You can work harder to keep your job or prepare to move on your own schedule instead of someone else’s.
For more articles please visit: http://www.hrworld.com/
