Taking on extra work during a company downsizing
Virginia in Brisbane writes, “My company seems to be constantly letting people go and my boss has asked me to take on several new projects as a result. I’m afraid to say no because it might make me look like I am not a team player and risk my job but there is no way I can actually do all this work successfully and that may put my job at risk. Help.”
Times are tough out there, every day we read about major, established and seemingly stable companies having to dramatically cut costs to survive. Unfortunately that often means employee lay-offs. We all know how hard it is to be a laid-off worker, but it is often equally challenging for those who remain and are asked to absorb many additional job responsibilities and to “do more with less.” While it is important to help the company and your boss out in a downturn you need to be smart about what you can reasonably commit to. Here are some tips. One, spend a week or two recording what you actually do each day at work. It is important for you to know how your time is actually spent, not just what is on your job description, to determine how to maximize your efforts. Two, sit down with your boss and review what you understand to be your current priorities. In a rapidly changing economy companies often need to review and reprioritize company goals and objectives and that cascades down to change the priorities of each individual employee. Third, ask your boss to help you prioritize your time given the new responsibilities you are accepting. Be honest, like any good juggler an employee can only have so many balls in the air without dropping them all. Fourth, explore contingent worker possibilities with your company. Perhaps temporary or part-time staff or college externs could help bridge the gap. Fifth, document all the new tasks you assume and additional staff you manage during the transition period. Then when things settle out with your company you can show you boss exactly what you did to help out during the difficult times and hopefully get the raise and other recognition you deserve.
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Taking on extra work during a company downsizing
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