When You Fear Redundancy

 This is a reality of  21 century. Hundreds of thousands of people are being made redundant, every year, throughout the world. Organizations are finding it increasingly challenging to bring the cost of production/operation down to stay competitive.

For this they are willing to do anything. Machines are replacing people. Use of technology is no more an option, but a must for survival. On the other hand , it is also true that organizations are in need of  special talent. Human capital is the most important capital for any organizations. Salaries are increasing fast. There are millions of job opportunities throughout the world. New industries are being established. The world has become a global village. Job market has tremendously expanded in the last decade and now the workforce is becoming global. Your job market is no more limited to your country of origin. If you cam complete in the global world, there are several opportunities available to you.

 If  you are afraid of losing your job, you must remind yourself that nothing has happened so far. How you react to this reality, would determine your destiny. You need to pursue a two-fold strategy; try keeping your existing job and prepare for the challenges of the future.

Promise yourself not to complain about or blame anyone.

Look at the challenges your organization faces. See where  your organization is going. What is changing and what sort of people would it require.

After the merger or acquisition, before redundancy plan is implemented, there is always a timeframe usually between 6-9 month. This is a time when there will be many challenges a new work opportunities available. Instead of wasting time with your colleagues about the repercussions of the transition, plan to get the most out of this opportunity volunteer yourself for all office activities resulting from the merger, acquisition, etc.

Take coaching classes; learn new skills and talents. In new organizations, multiple tasking is important. Make yourself  indispensable for your organization. You will become one, if you could do three different jobs at the same time.

Support the top management. Always be available to help.

Prepare yourself for the job interview that is usually conducted to decide upon who will be made redundant.

Develop ''A'' class presentation, communications skills. Talk about your vision of the organization and why you think you are the ''must'' choice for the new organization.

If you are made redundant, accept this as God's wish. May be he is pointing your attention towards a special task or work,  you are made for or He has planned for you. Remember W. Mitchells' story and move on with second objective.

                             ''Know they not that Allah enlarges the 

                               Provision or restricts it for any He

                                pleases? Verily in this are signs for

                                    those who believe''.