Out of Sight . . . Out of Mind?
I just finished reading a U.S. News & World Report article entitled “How to Save Your Job.” It was about surviving the recession. I thought, “Isn’t it common knowledge that the best way to survive the massive job cuts and resulting layoffs that our esteemed economists are predicting is to be an asset to your employer?”
To make yourself so indispensable that you will be passed over (in a good way) time and time again?”
Work at home professionals often feel disconnected from the “in” conversations and goings-on at the office. Some may even believe we miss opportunities for mentoring and networking while we are busy slaving away at home. Out of sight, out of mind right?
One assurance that I can offer is that companies are likely to embrace remote work programs in this economy because it’s less expensive than housing thousands of water cooler chatting, meeting happy 9 to 5 ‘ers in a traditional office. Our working mother society has urged “The Best” companies to provide on-site daycare, exercise facilities, lactation rooms and the like. And a majority have complied. How much money does all THAT cost?
You can bet companies are seeing you (the work at home professional) as a money saver. Productive remote workers are a huge asset for their bosses or their clients if you’re self-employed, their companies and even their co-workers. We get more done, don’t require hand holding, and don’t contribute to office time wasting activities.
Connecting with “the powers that be” is a clever approach to getting the raises and promotions that you deserve. It is also a great way stay in tune with your company’s corporate vision. Not to mention, increase the likelihood that you will keep your job!
But, you must take the initiative. Bosses (and clients) do not take kindly to chasing down people, projects or loose ends. If you don’t make communication a high priority . . . Let’s just say, I’ll save that U.S. News article just for you.
The following work habits will help you stay visible – even when you’re virtual:
- Return phone calls, e-mails and faxes in a timely manner. And, do so in such a fashion that requires little to no follow-up or clarification. Provide all the information someone might need to take the next action or make a decision.
- Set and abide by a schedule. Share your work hours with your work team and be available when they call. You will ward off the natural tendency to assume you are out playing golf or shopping.
- Send daily status reports to your team. Nothing fancy, just a quick e-mail outlining open projects. You will stand out, keep your boss and co-workers in the loop and be more organized.
With the time you will gain from being organized, on a schedule and confident in your job security you can write an article of your own on how you survived the recession.
