How to Make Yourself Indispensable at Work and Avoid Getting Laid Off
No one is immune to getting the axe – especially in an economic downturn. But you can certainly lower your chances.
Up next in Office Survival Guide (57 videos)
Between crazy bosses and creepy coworkers, it's a wonder you get any work done at all. Here's a little help.
You Will Need
- Loyalty
- Reliability
- Problem-solving abilities
- Revenue-producing capabilities
- Pleasant personality
- Flexibility
Steps
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Step 1
Demonstrate loyalty
Be vocal about your commitment to your place of employment. Eighty-five percent of CEOs surveyed ranked loyalty as the employee trait they most admired.
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Step 2
Make your boss' life easier
Make your boss' life easier. Complete tasks reliably; anticipate their needs; be a self-starter; consistently exceed expectations.
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Don't go to your boss with problems; bring them solutions.
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Step 3
Save the company money
If your job is to make the company money, step up your efforts. If you're not in a revenue-producing position, find ways to save the company money.
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Step 4
Be a team player
Be a pleasure to work with. Being liked and respected by your colleagues is almost as important as having the boss' approval.
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Step 5
Go with the flow
Be flexible. Employees who can adapt to change are not only considered more valuable, but have a better chance of surviving a reorganization.
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Step 6
Be someone you'd want to keep
Be the kind of employee you'd want to retain in a downturn. What's more sensible than that?
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Employees with a strong work ethic are more valuable to employers than those with a high IQ, according to one survey.
