Keeping your job is all about attitude

VALUE ADDED: Being a willing and cheerful team member makes you a more valuable employee. Photo/ Getty Images

While some economists appear to be pointing to the green shoots of economic recovery, many people still fear losing their job.

Should they take it lying down or is there something they can do to help themselves stay in work?

Three recruiters spoken to by the Herald say there are plenty of things anyone with a job can do to avoid the chopping block.

Sarah Lee, who runs CV Clearing - a recruitment advertising and CV checking service - says workers should remain positive.

"At the moment you won't do yourself any favours by being high-maintenance," she says. "Don't join the troops who are moaning - be the one who stands out and says, 'We're in a recession, what can I do to help?'

"Be proactive. Go and ask your manager what you can do to help the company and really listen to the answer.

"Think twice about being absent. Times are tough and motivation can be hard to come by. Don't ring in sick because you've got a hangover, you just can't be bothered to work or you're too stressed ... Get in and show your commitment to the company.

"Unless you've got swine flu you'll be appreciated for it."

Lee also advises staff to stay off the web at work. She says managers who have been told to cut jobs will be looking for those with a poor work ethic.

"Don't be a slacker," says Lee. "You are being paid to do a job, so do it and make every minute of your day count. If there's one thing employers need at the moment it's complete commitment from employees - managers have ways of finding out how long you spend updating Facebook or twittering ... When times are tough nobody is going to tolerate time wasters.

"The old adage of 'time is money' is so true right now. If you've got no work to do then offer to help a colleague, go and ask for more responsibility."

Jane Kennelly, director of Frog Recruitment, says no job is safe in today's environment and, like Lee, says proactive employees can do something to "stack the odds of staying employed".

"It's all in your attitude," says Kennelly. "Employers tell us they value people who roll up their sleeves and get on and do [what's required]. Now is the perfect time to make sure that you are being as helpful and as useful as possible. "Being a willing and cheerful team member speaks volumes. Having good relationships and being well liked is a smart way to act."

And keeping abreast of what is happening in your industry is essential so you can follow trends, she says.

"It's important that you have a good idea of what's going on in your industry and it's a great idea to make sure you are networking internally."

Kennelly also says now is the time to update your skills by reading, going to a seminar and keeping industry-related memberships up to date.

"It's time to add value to your firm," says Kim Fischer, director of job website Change Agent. "Valuable staff are a company's greatest asset. No matter what level your position, from office administration through sales, marketing and operations to senior management, you have been employed for one key reason - to add value to your company."

Fischer advises staff to create a list of the top three ways you can add value, set a time frame to achieve these and communicate your progress to your manager.

"Communication also helps to reinforce your commitment to the company," she says. "Not sure how to best add value? Think back to when you were interviewed for your job. What did your employer want you to achieve? What key skills were you employed for?"

Kennelly agrees, saying employees should share their 30- or 60-day plan with their boss and update it regularly.

"Apart from being practical and sensible, the success of your plan will help your department and your boss succeed. [So] when a decision is made about a position being disestablished ... it may well not be you."

Fischer says it is essential staff know and understand where their company is heading.

"If you're not sure where your company is going, it's time to stop burying your head in the sand and find out," she says. "If you find your role can be better aligned to the company's strategic direction then decide on the best ways to do this and propose the changes to your manager.

"Most importantly, make sure you follow through and drive the changes you've proposed." Following through on promises is something Kennelly says is essential. She advises people to become a 'completer finisher'.

"Asked to complete a task? Then do it," she says. "Become the one that your boss can rely on to do the job and tie up the loose ends to get it sorted - and quickly."

And perhaps it's time to forget all those lofty ideas about work/life balance, says Kennelly.

"For now, work/life balance needs to take a back seat as you concentrate on being indispensable. Balance is still important in these difficult times but so is rethinking priorities.

"Look after yourself. Eat well, sleep well, and exercise. You need all the energy and confidence you can get in this market. It will help you keep a cool head, to focus on what is really important and minimise the risk of getting sidetracked."

And if, despite your best efforts, you find yourself out of a job, Lee suggests you put the recession into perspective.

"If you're good at what you do and you lose your job then, rest assured, you will find another one," she says. "Good people always do.

"Get the recession into perspective. Recessions happen and companies go under as a result. But companies also go under in good times too. Being negative isn't going to help anyone."

Steve Hart is a freelance writer.