Six Ways To Be A Valuable Employee

It's always a good idea to make yourself a valuable asset to your employer. By 'increasing your value ', we mean that you'll be less likely to be let go if you produce more value than your cost, and you may be more likely to be considered for promotions or pay raises.

You can do certain things beyond just doing your job well. While you should remain friendly, motivated, and hard-working, there are specific actions that will impress your employer.

Try some of these value-enhancing actions:

• Find a Way to Increase Profits. Even if you weren't explicitly assigned the task, keep an open mind and brainstorm ways the company can work more efficiently. You could bring an idea to your manager to boost sales or reduce costs. Your boss will remember your creative thinking and appreciate that you took the initiative. This not only benefits the company but also gives you a profound sense of accomplishment and a tangible contribution to the business's success.

• Be Willing to Cross-Train. No matter what your job is, there are ways that you can learn new things in different areas. You should show interest and actively learn the ins and outs of other jobs in entirely different departments. This way, your employer will know you have a deeper understanding of the business, which could lead to bigger or better opportunities.

• Sharpen Your Skills. Dive deeper into your current skill set. Chances are that things are more mundane than you might think. Keep your mind open to developing your skills differently or better.

For example, if you work in online advertising, continue to search for different ways to advertise or different networks to display your advertising. Thinking outside the box instead of going with what has worked in the past will greatly improve the company's return on investment.

• Take on Additional Responsibilities. When you take on additional responsibilities, you add value to your position within the company. While you may not be issued a different title, your employer will see just how valuable you are. If cutbacks need to be made, you'd be less likely to go than someone with fewer responsibilities. This also provides you with an exciting opportunity for personal growth and development, enhancing your skills and experience.

• Work on Co-Worker Relationships. While the people you work with don't have to become your best friends, it's essential to maintain a certain level of camaraderie. Make small talk occasionally with your co-workers and bosses during breaks or lunches. This will help your employer remember that you mesh well with everyone in the company, fostering a strong sense of belonging and teamwork.

• Take Classes. While you may already have a degree or diploma in a subject related to your current job, it won't hurt to keep improving yourself by expanding your education. Remember, it's not required to go back to school, but if you have the time and resources available, it could be a good idea. More and more classes are available over the Internet, too, which is great for people who already work to fit their classes into their existing schedules. Taking classes cannot only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth to your employer. It can also open up new opportunities within the company and increase your job satisfaction by making your work more interesting and challenging.

While you don't have to implement all strategies at once, it's a good idea to think about doing the ones that will work for you. You may even discover that your job satisfaction increases. Remember, the ultimate goal is to increase your value to your employer and improve your overall job satisfaction. This becomes a win-win situation for the benefit of all!

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