After securing your dream job or any job helping you to meet your needs, one of the most prudent questions to ask is how can I stay relevant at work. With a great economy, the United States still record about 6 million people losing or leaving their jobs monthly. Making the question of how to stay relevant at work place very sacrosanct.
Compare that to Nigeria with an expected 41% unemployment rate in 2023. The chance of a non-relevant employee maintaining a job or securing one can become very slim. But no matter the unemployment rate, a relevant staff will always be held in high esteem. In fact, while some staff are being laid off, some others are getting salary increases because of their relevancy to the organisation they work for.
Because the workplace is constantly changing, it’s important to stay relevant in order to keep your job and advance your career. To stay relevant at work no matter your country, it’s important to continuously improve your skills, stay updated on industry trends, and actively contribute to the success of your company. If your contribution can not be felt, you become a liability to your organisation. Below are some of the things you should do to make sure that you remain relevant in your workplace.
9 Tips on How to Stay Relevant at Work
1.) To stay relevant at work, get a professional certification: As has been made clear from the foregoing, it is value that makes a staff relevant to an organisation. To be able to add value to your organisation, you need to first add value to your career life by boosting your capabilities with relevant professional certification. According to experts, earning relevant certifications can boost your salary by as much as 20% and more.
2.) Continuously learn and develop skills: This is almost like the above. You have to embrace a growth mindset and commit to lifelong learning. Stay updated on the latest developments in your field by attending relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences, or taking online courses. Seek out opportunities to acquire new skills that align with your job responsibilities and industry demands.
3.) Stay informed about industry trends: Keep up with the latest news and trends in your industry. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to relevant newsletters or magazines, and join professional associations or online communities. Understanding emerging technologies, market shifts, and industry best practices will help you contribute valuable insights and stay ahead of your peers. Earning a PMP for instance will keep you informed of all best practices and applications in project management.
4.) Network both internally and externally: Build a strong professional network within your organization and industry. Connect with colleagues, attend networking events, and participate in industry-specific forums or online communities. Networking can lead to new opportunities, collaboration, and access to valuable information. A key example of this is the Women in HR initiative. An NGO that help train Women in HR and offer them great networking opportunities.
5.) Take initiative and show proactiveness: Be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement or growth within your organization. Take on additional responsibilities, volunteer for projects, or propose innovative ideas that align with your company’s goals and aspirations. Being a proactive staff demonstrates your commitment and willingness to contribute to your company.
6.) Showcase your expertise: Share your knowledge and expertise with others. Offer to mentor junior colleagues, contribute to internal or external publications, or speak at industry events to make yourself a staff wanted by other organisations. Demonstrating your expertise can enhance your professional reputation and establish you as a subject matter expert that competitors want. Your boss will for sure know your worth and always want to keep you.
7.) Foster strong relationships: Build positive relationships with your colleagues, superiors, and subordinates. Collaboration, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial for success in any workplace. Cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment by actively listening, providing constructive feedback, and offering help when needed.
8.) Adapt to change: Embrace change and be adaptable in the face of evolving circumstances. Industries and organizations are constantly evolving, so it’s essential to be open to new ideas, technologies, and ways of working. Demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability by quickly learning new processes or systems and effectively navigating through change.
9.) Seek feedback and act on it: While the regular employee will want to run from more responsibility, regularly seek feedback from your superiors, peers, and subordinates to enable function more efficiently. Actively listen to their input, identify areas for improvement, and take appropriate action. Being receptive to feedback shows your commitment to growth and continuous improvement.
In Certification Edge, for instance, employees are constantly trained to do better and meet goals. That may not be the case with your organisation, so do it yourself. Remember, staying relevant is an ongoing process. By continually investing in your professional growth, staying informed, and actively engaging in your work, you can position yourself as a very valuable and indispensable member of your organization.
Do you have any other key factor on how to stay relevant at work, let’s hear it in the comment section below.
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