Examine your workload and how your boss is treating you to gauge if you are in the firing line, writes Megan Alexander
Almost every day seems to bring news of job losses somewhere in the country, so it's not surprising that a survey earlier this year found 28 per cent of New Zealanders were worried about being made redundant.
But while that fear is understandable, the reality is most Kiwis will not lose their jobs this year - and unnecessary worry never did anyone any good. If your job is not at risk, or even if it is marginal, it's better to spend your time being productive. So how do you tell if your job is at risk?
Robert Half has identified six warning signs to help you work out if your concerns are justified.
* Cost-cutting measures are being implemented throughout the organisation. The email announcing the need to reduce costs could be a tip-off that your employer is also considering cuts in staffing costs. But remember, almost all companies are belt-tightening at the moment, so this is not conclusive evidence that your job is in danger.
* Your workload is lighter than usual or projects are being reassigned to others. This is a strong signal that there is not enough work to justify the number of employees, or that the company is redistributing the workload in anticipation of staff cuts.
* Your work is cyclical and you have significant periods of slow time. Not having enough work to do is a sign that your function is not as vital as it once was. Companies that are looking to trim staff often focus on departments or positions with a cyclical workload where the day-to-day tasks could be supported by fewer employees.
* Your position or department is not viewed as a revenue generator. It is useful to understand how management sees your department - does it directly bring money into the organisation or help to reduce expenses? If the answer is yes, you may be in a fairly safe position. If your department is viewed more as a "nice to have" than a "need to have" you could be on shakier ground.
* You are no longer included in meetings you used to participate in. When a company is preparing to cut jobs, it is unlikely to include those at risk in strategy sessions. If you are no longer being asked to plan for the future, it may be because you are not seen as having one.
* Your manager is showing increased interest in the status of your projects and how to complete them. This could indicate that your boss wants to get a better sense of how things are done and what still needs attention so that he or she can reassign these projects in the event of layoffs.
These signs are cumulative - if you see one of them, you probably don't need to worry. However if you can tick off three or more, it's wise to start planning for bad news.
Even if there is a real possibility that jobs could be cut, there are several things you can do to ensure yours is not one of them.
* Do not become so consumed with worry that your work suffers. It is important to maintain focus. Continue to deliver high-quality work over and above expectations to remind your manager that you are worth every cent you are paid (and more) and the company would be foolish to let you go.
* Make sure your manager knows about your contributions. There is no point being a star performer if no one knows about it - now, more than ever before, you need to enhance your visibility. Make sure your contributions are in line with the company's business goals and talk with your manager about how you can contribute more.
* Enhance your value-add to the business. Actively seek out new business deals for your company or volunteer to participate in new projects. Your enhanced revenue-yielding capability will boost your status as an asset that the company needs to retain.
* Try to stay positive. A negative attitude will only work against you - people prefer to be surrounded by cheerful, optimistic colleagues, especially when times are tough.
With bad news about jobs appearing almost daily, it's only natural for everyone to feel a bit uneasy. But now, more than ever before, it's important not to let that unease affect your ability to work effectively.
Remain professional, positive and proactive. If job cuts are in the offing, a reputation for professionalism and a good work ethic may be enough to keep you off the redundancy list. And even if you do lose your job, it will enhance your chances of getting a new job or even being re-hired by your company when business picks up again.
Megan Alexander is a senior manager at Robert Half
www.roberthalf.co.nz.
