Every employee has heard cautionary tales of great long-term staff getting downsized out of a job or being fired unexpectedly. Therefore, job insecurity is a common reality in the corporate world, and the recent pandemic has not helped matters. Indeed, recent Harris Poll data revealed that 54% of Americans fear they may lose their jobs due to the pandemic. Fortunately, one of the best ways to have a more secure job and even move up the corporate ladder is to establish yourself as a valuable employee. Here’s how to make yourself more valuable to your employer.

One – Mentor Colleagues

You can offer to mentor coworkers in specific tasks if you notice they struggle with particular aspects of their job. Demonstrating a desire to improve your colleagues’ skills and contribute to their professional development shows managers your value as an employee. For instance, if you notice a fellow sales team associate having problems closing sales with customers, offer to help them sharpen their selling and conversational skills. You may end up boosting your colleagues’ sales skills while contributing to the company’s overall profitability, so employers will always take note of this demonstration of value.

Two – Commit to Development

Your employer will recognize you as a valuable employee if you invest in constant self-improvement and development. Employees who take on opportunities to improve their skills demonstrate a clear commitment to their roles and a desire for continuous development within the organization. Therefore, don’t shy away from asking your superiors if you can use your skills to assist in the creation of products or services in other departments.

This will help show managers your willingness to learn more about the business, boost your knowledge of the production process, and increase your expertise. You can also continue your education to gain more skills and knowledge. For instance, pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration Certificate online can show your employer how committed you are to continuous learning and professional growth.

Three – Don’t Be Afraid to Take Initiative

It is easy to understand why proactive workers are in such high demand. Proactive employees take on challenges as they arise and apply their problem-solving skills to solve them. Often, these employees are often at the core of positive organizational change. Indeed, research confirms that proactive employees are better contributors, performers, and innovators than their more passive counterparts.

However, it is critical to note that taking initiative can quickly backfire if done incorrectly, creating a lot of unintended consequences for companies. This phenomenon of initiating the wrong type of change is known as the “proactivity paradox.” According to the Harvard Business Review, you can avoid the proactivity paradox by considering other teams when initiating change and ensuring that your ideas align with your organization’s goals.

Four – Curate Professional Relationships

Professional relationships in the workplace can help you build a robust network of occupational contacts and show colleagues and executives that you are a valuable team player. Employers will recognize your communication skills each time you demonstrate your teamwork capabilities and may even consider you for promotion to managerial positions.


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