6 things you can do now to increase your job security in times of crisis

The financial market is in turmoil, and in a world as turbulent as the current one, job security is probably on your mind. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prove your worth, keep your job, and thrive even in difficult times. Of course, there are no guarantees, and you can't control whether your entire team gets laid off. But taking these steps will also make you a more attractive candidate if you need to look for a new job.

Below are six steps you can take to increase your job security in uncertain times. These tips come from experienced experts in human resources and talent management, recruiting, C-level leadership, and career coaching.

1. Be resilient, adaptable, flexible and thoughtful

Those : bbc.com

These are some of the skills that companies value most, regardless of role. To meet today's challenges, Wilkins says you should be able to:

• Resilience: Pick yourself up again in difficult times
• Adaptability: Adapt to new environments
• Flexibility: The ability and willingness to take on various tasks
• Thoughtfulness: Respectful, conscious and communicative interaction with colleagues

Of all these qualities, resilience is the most important in times like these. That means doing whatever it takes to stay afloat and deal with the unknown.

You  also  need  to  evolve. In particular, you should pay attention to what is happening in your company and observe industry trends in general. Make it your mission to meet the demands of changing circumstances. Take on the tasks and projects that need to be accomplished in this new reality to help your employer succeed - whether that means leading virtual meetings or taking on a different role or additional responsibilities in a smaller company.

In other words, if someone asks you to do something that isn't part of your original job description, be prepared to accept it. Think about where else you could step in to help. If you are willing to step in where you are needed, if you look for opportunities yourself and if you develop the discipline to take advantage of them, then it takes time and commitment. But that's exactly what can make the difference.

And if you can do all of that while also being kind and considerate to your manager, your teammates, and coworkers throughout the company, you'll be known as someone who can take on anything and a great colleague that no one wants to part with.

2. Demonstrate inventive thinking

It's not just about being flexible and adaptable when it comes to your own role; You also want to use your creativity to benefit the entire company. Bring new ideas to help your business overcome the unforeseen obstacles of the present and the future. When entire industries see their business practices being thrown out the window, it's time to rewrite the rules of how things should be done. The only bad idea is not to have any at all.

In times of crisis, ingenuity and creative problem-solving are often of greater value - those who can approach a challenge differently and offer original solutions are in high demand.

Now more than ever, employers are looking for people who can solve their problems.

It's great if your suggestions can help your company generate more revenue or reduce expenses - which can translate into saved jobs, including yours. But even if your ideas don't directly help increase sales or generate savings, your creative and imaginative ideas can still make you a valuable employee that your company will want to keep.

3. Become a lifelong learner

Those : vox.com

Even before the financial turmoil, there were always new marketing skills, new sales tactics or the latest technical developments that needed to be mastered. Ultimately, the important thing is not to follow every new trend, but to know how to learn and get up to speed quickly. As the world changes, we must adopt the mindset that we are lifelong learners.

Think about skills that you haven't developed yet but might need - and then focus on acquiring them, even if it's just for an hour a week. For example, if you're a social media marketer on a team that's getting smaller and more confusing, you might decide to improve your data skills to better analyze performance and increase engagement by taking an online course reach out to other marketers in the industry who can share their insights on what has helped them. Whatever your situation, it is important that you start with small, targeted and consistent steps.

As you acquire new skills and knowledge, you will discover how you like to learn. You'll discover what format makes it easiest for you to retain new information, what time of day you're most productive, and what your strengths and weaknesses are - all of which will also make you a better employee. Taking the time to introspect and be proactive can help your business in the here and now - as you bring these new skills and heightened self-awareness - and to you in the long run as you develop a reputation as Acquire a self-starter who takes the initiative and steps in when needed.

Even as you learn to be successful in your current position, Telling recommends keeping the big picture in mind in case you need to make a change down the road. For starters, pay close attention to the areas that can grow best in times of crisis. Then deepen the skills that might be relevant to these areas.

4. Finish things

Having a strategic vision is one of the most important skills you can offer employers, but that's like creating a pretty PowerPoint presentation without being able to execute it.

Even better are problem solvers who tackle challenges without being asked. In good times, we have the luxury of creating a sophisticated strategic plan with solid timelines; In times of crisis, many of these plans are thrown out the window.

What companies need - as they pivot to new business models and revenue streams and as unemployment skyrockets - are employees who can get things done quickly. In other words, people who can roll up their sleeves and get the job done, no matter how small or not so glamorous.

Those who will succeed now are the hardest workers with the most endurance. More than ever, those who demonstrate perseverance, determination and dedication will stand out among their peers.

5. Cultivate your network

Those : money.usnews.com

Whether you're looking for new opportunities or not, networking is a valuable skill to develop, especially during times of uncertainty.

We all crave contact. And you never know when doors will open for you. Look for webinars to attend, meet up with your current colleagues for a virtual coffee, and check in with former colleagues to catch up. It's okay to open up and share your experiences - we're all in the same boat.

Maybe now is the right time to help others who are experiencing job loss and be a generous team player. If you need career advice or help, don't be afraid to ask for what you really need. Maybe it's about how to advance in your current position or advice on how to improve your skills in a particular area. People love to help, and you could even make someone's day by giving them the opportunity to make a positive difference.

6. Bring empathy into everything you do

Soft skills such as empathy are in high demand among employers. Not only will the people you work with feel comfortable around you, but you'll also be more likely to keep your job. The candidates who bring empathy to their teams and customers are the ones who tend to make it to the top and are simply fun to work with.

People often avoid practicing empathy because it requires a lot of mental effort - but if they believe they are good at being empathetic, they are more likely to do it. A good start to increasing your confidence in your ability to empathize - especially at a time when many in your company are likely struggling - is to simply approach your colleagues and ask how they're doing. Then actively listen when they share something, offer to help, and open up in return.

When daily life is in flux, it's only natural to long for stability and security. While there are no guarantees, these steps will help you strengthen your position in your current company and improve your skills should you need to or choose to seek new opportunities.