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10 Ways to Increase Your Job Security

Are rumors of layoffs causing you stress about job security? According to a survey of 1,900 U.S. workers from career site MyPerfectResume, 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

Keeping your skills current is crucial. Whether it’s mastering SEO or the latest AI tools, staying updated helps keep you employed. Check job listings in your field to see which skills 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 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 appreciates employees who do their fair share, help coworkers, and maintain a positive attitude. Instead of complaining about problems, help come up with constructive solutions. Look for ways to 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 or deadlines, 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. 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. 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.

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.

For any mortgage service needs, contact O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. Our team is here to help you navigate your financial journey with ease and confidence.

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