Life is always filled with uncertainties, especially during the pandemic. Many things remain outside our control, and we have to face the unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over many things like the economy and employment.
The loss of jobs due to the crisis is now worse than the global financial crisis of 2008. People will not automatically be rehired when the virus is contained if experts globally are calling for mass unemployment as a growing possibility.
Uncertainty can leave us feeling stressed and anxious over the direction of our lives. However, if you make good decisions now, it will help minimize the risks of losing your job.
Here are the steps you can take to face the unknown with more confidence:
Perform at your best.
Stay on track and complete all your work on time. Focus on your job and do what you’re getting paid for. This is one of the ways to keep your job security.
Learn to cope with uncertainty.
Very little in our lives is completely certain. Uncertainty is unavoidable and part of everyday life. Worrying may make us feel like we have control over uncertain circumstances, but in reality, it doesn’t. Chronic worrying can’t give you more control. What it only does is sap your energy. Instead of worrying, try to focus on the things you can control.
Have a “can-do” attitude.
Companies appreciate employees who can get the job done. Try not to say things like “that’s not my job.” If you can’t do something, find a better way to explain why the work isn’t suited for you.
Keep on learning.
To be successful, keep an eye on the bigger picture in case you need to make a move later. Try to acquire skills that would be beneficial for your position. Seek knowledge and become curious about your industry. Be a self-starter who takes the initiative to step up when needed. Work on improving skills that no one else has so that it won’t be as easy to replace you.
Practice resiliency and flexibility.
These are skills that will make you a highly valued employee. Being able to handle the unknown and do whatever it takes to stay afloat is especially vital at this time. Go with the flow and learn to be flexible, whether that involves pivoting into a different role or even taking on additional responsibilities.
Don’t be afraid to take on projects that need to be tackled to help your employer succeed right now. Flexibility also means that you’re able and willing to wear different hats. Your willingness to adapt shows your value when unexpected circumstances arise.
Showcase your skills.
Let your skills shine through your work by working on the projects that will showcase your strengths. Make sure your skills increase and improve as time goes on so that they continue to add to the company’s success.
Come up with ideas.
To benefit the entire business, use your creativity. Learn to think out of the box. Be an ‘idea person’ and bring new ideas to the table to help the company make it through tough times. Your creativity will make you a valuable employee, so don’t be worried about having bad ideas.
Volunteer to help.
If your coworker is struggling, offer to help. Your extra hands may help your organization stay in business. This is also a good opportunity for you to learn new things and help you grow professionally. You can even ask for more work or more challenging assignments. The amount of work you contribute to the organization, again, raises your value in the eyes of the leadership.
Have grit and determination.
The hardest workers with the greatest tenacity and dedication will be more likely to succeed in tough times. The people who can get things done fast are what companies need when a crisis occurs. Don’t let little things slow you down or stop you.
Stand out and be proactive.
Be the “go-to” person for difficult situations and always try to be one step ahead at work. Do this by keeping yourself updated with what’s happening in your industry. What can you do now to be proactive?
Be empathetic.
Empathy is in great demand among employers, so be someone who’s a joy to work with. You can start by doing a simple thing like reaching out to your colleagues to ask them how they’re doing.
Promote yourself.
What skills make you more marketable? Think about what makes you unique to your company and make sure the right people know that you’re getting results.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Practice gratitude and a happy demeanor. This will show that you’re a team player who can look beyond tough issues and can influence morale in the workplace.
Offer solutions, not problems.
Having problem-solving skills will give you an edge. The ability to solve problems before they arise and identify solutions is very useful in any industry. The more problems you can solve independently, the more responsible you can look. It may even impress your boss or manager if you go to them with a pressing issue and suggest ways to resolve it.
Stay healthy.
Try to get moving regularly and eat a balanced diet. When you’re healthy, you can perform your best work.
Do not forget to network.
Building professional relationships through networking is an important skill that will serve you for years to come. Network both inside and outside your company.
When you grow your network, you increase who you know, like, and trust. One tip is to check in on your coworkers, clients, or furloughed colleagues.
You can also look for free webinars where you can keep learning and meet new people. Note that this is also the perfect opportunity to help others and become a generous team player.
Final Thoughts
Everyone craves for security in life. To be secure in a job, you need to ensure you’re invaluable to your company. Remember, it’s not just about being competent anymore. Keep these 16 things in mind to help you strengthen your position within your company and increase your job security—even during a pandemic.