Career Development
When you feel secure in your job, you can focus more effectively on your work and produce better-quality results. Learning tips for increasing job security can help you identify the strategies that best apply in your work situation. In this article, we discuss what job security is, why it is important for companies as well as employees, and how you can increase job security in your own position.
What is job security?
Job security is assurance an employee has that they will be able to continue working their current job for the foreseeable future. It means you are confident that your employment status with a company will not change, regardless of any outside forces that might impact the business.
Related: 31 Careers With Excellent Job Security (With Job Duties)
Why is employee job security important for companies?
Job security is important for both employees and companies. For employers, job security can help them:
- Attract and retain talent
- Maintain a productive workforce
- Encourage loyalty among employees
- Maintain a positive employee morale
Related: Ways To Become Indispensable at Work
How to increase job security
Here are nine ideas you can use to increase your job security for your company:
- Increase productivity.
- Be reliable.
- Minimize distractions.
- Be fully present during meetings.
- Volunteer to do more.
- Keep learning.
- Mentor and support co-workers.
- Focus on solutions.
- Build relationships.
1. Increase productivity
One way you can prove your value is by boosting your productivity. Track progress you're making and create an ongoing list of achievable goals. For example, if you are in sales, you could put on your list that you aim to exceed your quota each month by 5-10%.
Related: 10 Simple Ways To Be More Productive at Work
2. Be reliable
Be someone that your manager knows they can go to if they need something completed in a timely manner. If your manager makes a request, respond with a realistic timeline for when you will have that task completed. Make sure the work you provide is always exceptional and look for ways you can exceed expectations with daily requirements.
3. Minimize distractions
The best way to remain focused on your work is to limit things that can be distracting. Personal phone calls or time spent on the Internet can distract from more important priorities while at work. When your focus is strictly on work-related tasks, productivity will remain high, thus aiding in the security of your position.
Related: 15 Tips on How To Eliminate Distractions At Work
4. Be fully present during meetings
Whether you're holding meetings in person or are on a conference call, always stay fully engaged during meetings. Be intentional about giving the participants your undivided attention, as this will make it easier for you to ask questions, offer ideas and pick up important pieces of information.
5. Volunteer to do more
Become indispensable to your company by being the first to volunteer when your company needs tasks completed. While it's important not to over-promise and commit to something you're unqualified for, consider volunteering if it's a task you're capable of, even if it's something you've never done before.
It's also important to note that if you do decide to volunteer for additional work, make sure you have the time to take on the extra responsibilities on top of your current ones. In order for your manager and teammates to truly appreciate your efforts, you need to turn in your best quality work. If you really want to help out with a project outside of your normal role and don't feel you have the extra time to commit, have a conversation with your manager about adjusting your workload to make time for it.
6. Keep learning
Another way you can stay relevant at work is by continuously evolving, learning and improving your skills. Industries and technology are always changing and by embracing change and quickly adapting, you are more valuable to your company.
Look for an opportunity to become an expert at something. People turn to experts when they need to overcome challenges in the workplace. Look for an area where you could become an expert and then volunteer for projects where you can put your skills to use.
7. Mentor and support co-workers
Show your manager that you're an asset to the organization by utilizing your leadership skills and mentoring other co-workers. Look for opportunities to answer questions that other team members have. If appropriate, reach out to them individually to offer your support and guidance. Make yourself the go-to person on your team when anyone needs help.
Related: How To Find a Mentor in 5 Steps
8. Focus on solutions
Utilize your creativity and problem-solving skills to better identify solutions to problems. As challenges arise, discover what the root cause of the problem might be and then brainstorm to think of possible solutions. When you have thought of a detailed plan for how to overcome the problem, then go to your manager or your team lead with a proposed solution. If your idea is viable, it will solidify the idea that you are useful to the company.
9. Build relationships
Ultimately, the stronger your relationships and the more connected you are to your team and your supervisor, the more management will view you as an integral part of the team. Interpersonal skills and networking abilities are essential for building strong connections in the workplace, even when you're remote.
Communicate with all members of your team on a regular basis and in a way that's clear and concise. Listen actively when you're speaking to someone, monitor your tone of voice and choose your words thoughtfully. Look for opportunities to contribute and add value whenever possible.
