If you have to think about the future of your job, then this is an indication that things might not be going well. It’s obvious that we all have to progress and at some point move to a new company or a new career field.
With that, we want to feel safe and secure. Sadly, job security is rare. Especially if your security comes from your current employer. Job security is important, more so to your success. That means, you’re responsible and this is how you can ally some of your fears.
Rely on your skills
Take a minute and think about this. Are you replaceable? If your answer is ‘yes,’ then you need a lot more skills for job retention. There are various skills that are most sought after. On top of the list we have, communications skills (listening, verbal, written), research skills, technical literacy, ability to manage multiple priorities, interpersonal abilities and creativity.
For job retention, you will need to be reliable, be cooperative with others, keep a good attitude, work on your own, be honest, follow company customs and manage conflicts. These might seem easy at first but they’ve weighed in on other people’s dismissals. They might also not be written as rules to keep, but they are skills you are expected to develop.
Rely on your connections
How many phone calls or emails can it take for you to find a new job? I cannot stress enough the importance of networking and building meaningful relationships. Those who are most connected have better chances of landing opportunities. Expand your network.
Sometimes, it’s not about what you know but who you know. Prioritise by meeting with people from companies which seek people with your skill-set. Remember, you don’t just want to network in order to find your way in, but you build genuine connections and diversify your network. These connections you build will prove your job security.
Rely on your institutional knowledge
First what is institution knowledge? Institutional knowledge comprises the understanding of processes, systems, details, standards, folklore, cultural values, and general information that makes up an organization. As an employee, you build this memory over time and you discover other ways to get work done and you adopt changes faster including technology.
To better build your institutional knowledge, identify leadership competencies necessary for your job and focus on developing them. Exercise a workforce assessment, and document and identify critical knowledge held by existing employees. Then acquire specialized training where need be.
One of the simplest ways is having an older and more experienced employee serve as your mentor. This will allow them to pass their knowledge and experience to you. In the end, you’re the one who holds the institutional knowledge.
Rely on your reputation
What do others say about you? Have they labelled you a late-comer? The snitch? The drama queen? There are going to be moments where what others think about you is very important. This is critical when it comes to your job.
You want to maintain a reputation as a top employer who treats their employees with respect and encourages a strong sense of corporate culture. This doesn’t mean you push everyone and every thing to be likeable. It means you have to develop good habits and put effort into everything you do. Fulfil all your responsibilities. Look at yourself objectively and give a thought on what others say and think about you.