During times of crisis, many companies are forced to cut costs drastically, resulting in mass layoffs and hiring freezes. If the company isn’t making money (or worse, is losing money), it can’t afford to keep paying all of its employees.
If you’re worried your job might be in jeopardy, it’s important to get crystal clear on your ROI. As an employee, you need to ask yourself, “Am I saving or making the company money?”
Employees who save or make their company money are often viewed as “indispensable” and won’t be let go even during hard times.
Want to save your job? Here are some tips to help you stay employed during a recession.
Show Them You’re A Money-Maker (Or Saver)
Many companies are forced to cut costs during challenging or slow periods. If the company isn’t making money, it’s losing money. As an employee, you need to be able to justify the cost of your employment if you want to keep your job. What kind of return on investment can your employer expect?
Think about the main function of your job. Are you bringing in money in some way, shape, or form? For example, an email marketer impacts the bottom line by promoting products to gain new customers and bring back older customers. Or are you saving money somehow? For example, if you work in operations, you’re probably in charge of making processes more efficient so less time and money is spent on them.
It might not be obvious at first, but a company wouldn’t hire you if your role wasn’t helping them move the needle in some way. If you can identify where you truly impact the bottom line and focus on those activities, you’ll increase your chances of keeping your job.
Understanding your impact also helps you prioritize tasks that align with the company’s goals, ensuring your efforts have maximum value. Once you’ve identified these high-impact areas, look for ways to go above and beyond. Can you streamline a process further, take ownership of a critical project, or proactively solve a recurring problem? Consistently demonstrating your value not only secures your role but also positions you as a go-to team member—someone the organization relies on to drive success.
Maximize Efficiency And Output
During uncertain times, you need to be prepared to add more to your plate since there will likely be layoffs and hiring freezes. Is it going to be overwhelming? Yes. But in times like these, you need to figure out how to be as efficient as possible to get everything done in order to add value (and stay sane). So make sure you’re prioritizing effectively, focusing on high-payoff activities that move the needle, and closing down any distractions that could keep you from getting your work done.
Make a list of your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks/projects, figure out your time sucks, and talk to your manager to make sure you’re prioritizing the right things. Additionally, take the initiative to upskill or cross-train in areas that align with your organization’s goals. Demonstrate adaptability by volunteering for projects outside your usual responsibilities and identifying ways to streamline processes. The more solutions you provide and value you add, the more indispensable you’ll become.
Get Clear On Your Expectations From Your Manager
It might be time to check in with your manager to make sure you’re both on the same page in terms of what you should be doing. There might be changes that will impact you, your boss, or your team, so make sure to touch base. During times of high stress, you might be expected to do more with less (or in less time).
Also, if your manager needs extra help, take things off their plate. Show them you’re willing to go above and beyond during challenging times (without complaining) to make their life easier. Demonstrate that you’re an asset to your team, not a liability. Offer solutions to problems instead of simply pointing them out, and always come prepared with a can-do attitude. By consistently showing that you’re invested in the success of the team and the organization, you’ll reinforce your indispensability and earn the trust and respect of your manager and peers.
Even if you’re a high performer in your organization, there’s always a chance that you’ll be part of a mass layoff. When a company is going through hard financial times, it will be forced to cut costs and let employees go in order to survive. The good news is that by following the tips above, you can earn the reputation of being an “indispensable” employee and greatly reduce your chances of getting laid off.
So, remember this advice—and good luck!
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