Employees concerned about layoffs seek ways to prove their worth

Layoffs have been getting a lot of attention lately. How can employees who are afraid they’ll be next show their worth to their employer in a way that could help the employer realize the value they’re bringing not only to their position but to the company overall?

“As difficult as it is, being afraid that you will be next to get laid off is not a good strategy unless that fear makes you show up in your full glory to create energy and maximum value towards the success of your organization,” says former IBM Vice President Shelmina Babai Abji, author of “Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge As Leaders at Work.”

“For most people, when they are afraid, their energy gets depleted, they hunker down and try to remain off their leader’s radar screen. And that will work against you,” she says.

So how can employees who feel insecure about their job security show their worth? These steps can help:

Go above and beyond your current role. Abji suggests asking what you can do to help the business succeed in these trying times. “Remember as hard as this is for the people getting laid off, it is oftentimes even harder for the leader to deliver these difficult messages,” Abji notes.

Focus on initiatives that directly contribute to the company’s objectives. That advice comes from Shawn Plummer, CEO of The Annuity Expert, who says those objectives might include improving customer satisfaction or operational efficiencies.

Stephen R. Hasner, the managing partner of Hasner Law, P.C., says that focus also could be on direct revenuegenerating activities for the company. “This could look like bringing in new leads and customers to the business, or promoting a campaign that generates high sales,” Hasner says. “Capital creation is the main goal of any business, so they’ll be less inclined to let go of someone who helps them achieve that goal extensively.”

Demonstrate leadership skills. “Mentoring others or leading projects can highlight an individual’s broader impact on the organization,” Plummer says.

Keep a record of your achievements, especially those that quantifiably benefit the company. Keep the list updated so you can share it during performance reviews or team meetings to ensure visibility, Plummer advises.

Steer clear of actions that convey a negative attitude. “Be extra cautious of not letting the negativity deplete you or suck you into gossiping,” Abji warns.

And if after all of that a layoff happens, don’t despair.

“Remember, there will be times when entire teams will be laid off because the business decides to divest in certain areas. Don’t take that personally,” Abji says. “If you have created a reputation or someone that shows their worth in all their interactions and bring positive energy to difficult situations, you will be among the first ones to land a new job within or outside your organization.”