Excellent Job Performance: How to Keep the Job You Have!

By Beth Madden, Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc

This is a tough market for job seekers. It is more important than ever to you make sure you are doing everything possible to keep the job you have. Here are three key factors, beyond basic job skills, that can be your key to success:

Punctuality is Key: It is important to show up on time every day you are scheduled to work. Whether you just started a new job, or have been on the job for years, in this market, employers will not tolerate either tardiness or unexcused absences. They are watching every dime and when you are late or miss a day’s work that is not planned, you end up costing your employer money by either lost production or additional resources required to cover your position. So, set the alarm clock early, and take care of yourself and your vehicle to make sure you can arrive on time every day.

Attitude is as Important As Skills: Companies are trying to remain profitable with fewer projects and tighter margins. This brings a lot of stress into the workplace and negative employee attitudes can add to that stress. Now is the time to focus on being positive and being a team player. Make sure you come to work with a positive outlook and look around your workplace to see how you can best help the team, beyond your assigned duties. If you are always smiling and going above and beyond your responsibilities, you will be sure to keep your job when others are being laid off.

Keep your Personal Problems Out of the Workplace: We are all struggling to make it through these tough times together. If you have a job, your employer has likely made many sacrifices, both personal and professional, to keep the company moving forward and keep you employed. They may have even had to reduce hours or utilize “Shared-Work” programs to avoid layoffs. So, the last thing they want to hear is their employees’ personal problems. Whether you are talking with your coworker in the field or in the break room with your supervisor, it is important not to talk about any challenges you are having in your personal life. These challenges can lead to concerns on their part regarding whether you are going to be a stable, long-term employee. The bottom line is that the more you share, the more vulnerable you can become to the next round of cutbacks. Keep your work conversations professional and upbeat to show respect and appreciation for the job you have.