News & Events

The redundancy statistics are very depressing – how to you avoid become one of them?

It isn’t always possible to avoid redundancy, some very good, well-run companies have gone under. But there are things you can do to protect yourself:

1. Research any company you are considering working for carefully before you join
If you have a young family, a mortgage, other financial commitments (such as car payments), it isn’t the time to join a start-up staffed by people with no business experience.

2. Keep studying
Whatever job you do, keep fresh with the skills you need to do it (such as IT or financial skills) – but also start learning the things you will need to learn to do the job above you. Supervisory skills are always worth learning, even if you aren’t a a supervisor yet. Management skills are also worth picking up.

3. Show willing
When companies look at who to make redundant, they often use a checklist to compare different employees. Those who earn a lot won’t fare well, neither will those who do specialist jobs which are no longer needed. People who do well are those who can perform multiple roles. If you are employed as an accounts assistant but are also willing to help the Receptionist by answering the phones for her/him occasionally, it will have been noticed. If you are a Manager but pick up the phone to help out the sales team when they are busy, upper management will know that you are a good all-rounder.

4.  Maintain a good attitude
Look for the positive in situations. We need to be realistic and voice concerns, but if you are raising an issue, try to present it in a positive way. Eg: “There’s a problem with overcrowding in the second floor break room. Would it be possible to put a few chairs in the unused interview room on the first floor?”

5. Keep your CV & LinkedIn profile current
It is good to make a note of achievements as you make them, as they are quick to forget. When the time comes to re-write your CV, it really helps to have it up-to-date, so you only need to do a bit of tweaking. CV’s are only for applying for new jobs, they can help you get promotion or keep your existing job as well. Your LinkedIn profile should always be kept up-to-date – people are regularly head-hunted on LinkedIn. 

 6. Be known for helping others
From showing around new members of staff to giving the janitor a hand putting up the Christmas tree – those who help others are known to be good to have around, and hard to lose.

7. Be confident & trustworthy
Confidence doesn’t have to be felt to be portrayed! Acting confidently can make you feel better. If you are given a task you don’t understand, say so. Say you want to do it well and need to ask a few questions – you will be respected for it.
Trustworthiness means being a reliable worker who shows up on time, takes minimal time off, doesn’t gossip and is willing to do more than their job description requires.