1. Do your job to the best of your ability
While it’s okay to take an occasional break, focus on your main responsibilities as an employee. If your employer needs to make layoff decisions, they often keep the most productive employees and those who continue to exceed expectations. Because of this, it’s important to stay on track and finish all of your work in a timely manner.
2. Get along with your coworkers
As an employee, it’s important to get along with all of your coworkers and supervisors. Offer to help your colleagues as much as you can and show everyone respect. Doing this helps you be more of a team player and can even improve your overall happiness at work.
3. Be irreplaceable
Make sure your employer can’t easily replace you with someone else. Work on improving your skills that no one else has and be the go-to person that everyone reaches out to when certain issues arise. This shows that not only can you handle your responsibilities, but that you can also go beyond what’s asked of you.
4. Be punctual
Consistently arrive to work on time to show your commitment to your job and the consideration you have for both the company and your coworkers. It’s also important to avoid taking a long lunch or an overly long break. Being punctual helps you get right to work and may help strengthen your relationships with your peers.
5. Offer your assistance
To improve your job security, consider offering your help or volunteering to take on new responsibilities. Not only does this benefit your employer, but it also lets you learn new things and can help you grow professionally.
6. Add valuable contributions
When hiring managers look for prospective employees, they want someone who meets the job’s qualifications and can add value to the company as a whole. As an employee, make sure you’re adding measurable contributions that your employer can witness or track. For example, you may help them save costs or increase sales by a certain figure. Make sure both you and your manager are aware of your contributions moving forward.
7. Take on more work
Employers appreciate employees who express their willingness to take on additional work. This makes them view you as a valuable employee who wants to continue to grow within their organization. Embrace growth and look for opportunities where you can take on additional assignments.
8. Have a genuine relationship with your manager
Take the time to develop a positive and professional relationship with your manager or supervisor. Make sure you have mutual support and trust for one another. When you have a genuine work friendship with them, it helps decrease your chances of getting laid off.
9. Be flexible
As an employee, it’s important to be flexible in order to meet the unexpected needs of your employer. Being flexible can help when your manager needs you to switch shifts with another employee when you need to cover someone’s unexpected leave, when you’re asked to work over the weekend or when you’re asked to put in overtime. Your willingness to adapt shows your valuableness as an employee when unexpected circumstances arise.
10. Have a positive attitude
Maintain a positive attitude when you arrive to work every day. No matter what goes on during the workday or what problems arise, practicing gratitude and maintaining a happy demeanor shows your employer that you’re a team player who can look beyond tough issues. A positive attitude can also influence morale in the workplace.
11. Ask to be cross-trained
Even if you work in a particular department, it’s helpful to learn how other teams work. Ask to be cross-trained in other areas to help when the need arises or in the event of a staff shortage. Your willingness to learn new skills or knowledge shows your dedication to the company and helps you grow new skills along the way.
12. Keep your skills current
Employers want employees who can grow alongside the company. Because of this, it’s important to take the time to improve your skills in your current position. Make sure your skills accelerate as time goes on and that they add to the company’s success. When your manager sees your growth and the valuable contributions you’ve made, it can help them look elsewhere when they need to cut costs or lay off employees.
13. Be an active participant
Apart from doing your work-related duties, go out of your way to get involved with the company. For example, you can attend company luncheons or outings. This shows your employer that you’re interested in the company beyond the monetary value they provide you. It’s also helpful to ask questions and offer ideas during meetings, as this shows your interest in the company at large.
14. Ask for feedback
While employers often conduct employee performance reviews to help gauge what you’re doing right and wrong, you can always ask your manager about ways to improve. Not only can this help you become a better employee, but it also shows them that you’re eager to perform your job to the best of your ability.
15. Come up with solutions
Having strong problem-solving skills can help in any industry. While you can always go to your manager when a problem arises, employers value employees who can successfully solve their problems independently. Offer solutions when problems to impress your manager and improve your overall reputation in the workplace.
16. Follow company policies
Get to know your organization’s various policies to help you better adhere to them. For example, understanding the dress code can help you represent the company more appropriately.
17. Stay on top of deadlines
Keep track of all project and assignment deadlines and make sure to complete your work by the specified date. Stay organized and make sure to prioritize your work so you can finish everything on time. Sticking to deadlines ensures the company’s steady flow of revenue and helps keep productivity on track.