How to Make Yourself Indispensable at Work & Avoid Getting Laid Off

No one is immune to getting the axe – especially in an economic downturn. But you can certainly lower your chances.

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.
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.
TIP: Don't go to your boss with problems; bring them solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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?
FACT: Employees with a strong work ethic are more valuable to employers than those with a high IQ, according to one survey.