How to Make Yourself Indispensable at Work

Many of us may not consider whether we’re needed at work until rumors of layoffs surface or until unemployment rates rise. However, choosing to be indispensable at work no matter what the employment climate is like can be a satisfying move that offers job security. Indispensable employees typically know they’re needed, and so do their employers who value their know-how and reliability. Nonetheless, it does take some planning to add indispensability to your work life.

Instructions

1. Make sure you know your job inside and out. An employee who only knows or does just enough to get by will not be viewed as indispensable. Skilled professionals make their tasks look easy because they have in-depth knowledge of their work. Their ability to handle their work with ease does not go unnoticed.

2. Embrace change. Learn how to use any new technology or implement new procedures that are brought into your workplace. Once you learn these things, regularly introduce them into your work so that your new skills will be noticed. Employees who resist such changes are often viewed as sluggish and as a hindrance to a company’s progress.

3. Sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge by volunteering to take on new assignments to move your workplace participation beyond that of the average employee. Look for extra work that interests you. Your participation in it might even earn you a promotion or help you launch a new career.

4. Demonstrate interest in your work. Many companies seek input from their employees, and some even offer bonuses for great ideas. An indispensable employee is eager to offer constructive suggestions that will help make his company more efficient, profitable and competitive.

5. Prove that you’re reliable. Complete projects on time and don’t call in sick to work on a whim. A person who consistently doesn’t show up for work is a burden to an employer and co-workers who have to do extra work in that person’s absence. Remember that when your boss recommends someone for a promotion, she becomes liable for that recommendation. She will not be willing to risk her reputation by recommending someone who has questionable reliability.

6. Master self-promotion without being arrogant or annoying to boost your indispensable image. Many people reject the idea of promoting themselves to their own detriment because their valuable skills go unnoticed. Constructive self-promotion includes directly communicating your ideas to your boss, so he knows the ideas are yours. Additionally, if you take a class or get outside training directly related to your job, make sure your boss knows about it.