In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we are faced with the fear of uncertainty. One of them pertains to job security. As more businesses are adopting the work from home model, some jobs are becoming redundant. Unemployment appears to be on the rise.
However, there is a gleam of hope. With the following steps you can take to keep the job you have and secure the bag during the pandemic. We have curated them from seasoned professionals with experience in human resources and talent management, recruiting and career coaching. These include:
1. Resilient, Adaptable, Flexible, Thoughtful (RAFT)
According to Wilkins, who has held human resources and talent management positions at GE Capital, Abbott Laboratories, and AbbVie, and is an instructor at Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, demonstrate:
Resilience (i.e. Bouncing back in tough times)
Adaptability (i.e. Adjusting to novel environments)
Flexibility (i.e. Being able and willing to wear different hats)
Thoughtfulness (i.e. Being respectful, intentional, and communicative with colleagues)
2. Creative
Talent is not enough, be creative and show inventive thinking. This is needed now that most business models have been affected negatively with the pandemic. Bringing fresh ideas of ways your company can save costs and generate more profits would make you a valuable asset.
3. Pursue continuous learning
Focus on building skills you are yet to develop but are in demand. For example, you can gain skills in fields such as e-commerce, customer experience, digital strategy, and healthcare, growing in this pandemic. Analyse the trends and dive deep into those sectors that are thriving or have prospects.
4. Be Proactive
Asides working hard, getting things done without being told is a marvellous way to show your worth in the workplace. Those who stand out from their colleagues are determined, dedicated and proactive.
5. Build your network
If you don’t know, your network is your net worth. Having the right connections can open opportunities. Grow your network by connecting with like-minded people and communities. Look for webinars to attend, set up virtual coffee dates with current coworkers, and reach out to former colleagues to check in. You never can tell where your big break would come from.
6. Show Empathy
According to telling, soft skills such as empathy are in great demand among employers. It makes people you work with feel good being around you; That way, you are less likely to lose your job.