When facing potential layoffs (which many Americans are right now), it can feel like you are powerless over your future. While there is nothing you can do to ensure your job entirely, there are several techniques to increase your value at work, which will lessen your chances of being laid off. Here are three things you can do to build your value, as well as ways to prepare for potential layoffs.

Keep Open Communication

The best thing you can do as an employee is to keep an open line of communication about expectations, tasks, and job performance. Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor or boss to make sure you are on the same page as far as your duties go, and their expectations of you.

When you know what they are looking for, you can fill those needs, which will improve your value, as seen by your supervisor and company. Once you have open communication, take the feedback to heart and use it to better your performance.

Be Intentional in Workplace Relationships

While job performance and meeting expectations are both very important, many companies value personal relationships equally — especially in times of crisis. Let your actions show that you genuinely care about the people around you.

So how do you build relationship rapport with your coworkers and superiors? Here are some simple things you can start with:

Find a Mentor

Someone who has been in your workplace for longer than you will know the ins and outs of relationships in your office. They will have seen both success and failure and can guide you through what will make you valuable to your superiors.

Schedule Time

As mentioned in the communication section, be intentional about scheduling time with your superiors to keep open communication. It helps them see that you are serious about your job and gives you the chance to build rapport.

Listen more than you Speak

This tip can carry you anywhere in life. When people feel heard, they feel cared for and understood. Ask meaningful questions to your coworkers and supervisors and listen to their answer. Listening to understand rather than to respond is what will set you apart.

Take On New Responsibilities

In a time when layoffs happen and happen often, there's a chance you've seen some in your workplace. If your company has experienced layoffs, it's likely that some tasks and responsibilities have been pushed aside due to the loss of manpower. If you have the capacity to take on some of the extra workload left behind, it will show your supervisor your dedication to the company and ability to be a team player.

Just in Case

Sometimes layoffs are just plain unavoidable. Unfortunately, that's the time we live in right now. However, you can prepare for the possibility of a layoff and even set yourself up for success by doing a few different things.

Keep Growing your Skills, or Learn a New One

In a normal epoch, staying relevant to your company's needs is important. However, in times of layoffs and downsizing, it is even more crucial to stay connected and keep yourself viable in the workplace. One of the best ways to do that is by growing your skills. Growth is important not only for your employer to see, but to widen your potential job scope. You can take online classes for relatively cheap, check out your local community college to see what kinds of classes they offer, or even contact your company for any resources they offer for continuing education or skill-building.

Update your Resume

When working at a steady job, the last thing we think about is keeping our resume updated. Chances are you've learned new skills and taken on new responsibilities since you last refreshed it. Take the time to make revisions now, so that you aren't scrambling to get it done after you have been laid off.

Network

Network, network, network! Within your own company, with friends, on social media, anywhere you can. Networking is the key to landing jobs. Start now, so you will have those connections and relationships ready to go when you need them. Putting out resumes now will save time and stress later. Be reminded that you don't have to accept any job offers unless you want or need to. To start, view our openings, or contact us with any questions you might have.