Here it comes… again. Every 6 or 8 years, it happens. But what about the labour shortage? What about the Baby Boomers retiring? What about our strong economy? Those are all true, but if the rest of the world doesn’t want what we have to sell, we’re going to suffer too. So take your favourite colleagues out for lunch now - there’s a chance they won’t be working with you for long. You, on the other hand, have a plan…

When your boss needs to lay people off, he’ll generally use a few rules of thumb to determine who goes first. Is it the newest employee that goes first? Sometimes, but not always. Is it the most expensive employee? Sometimes, but not always. Its always the people who contribute LEAST to the bottom line of the company, and the people who are least productive. Here are three easy tips to make sure you’re seen as a productive member of the company.

1. Actually be Productive
   Ok, maybe I’m being a little flippant about this point. But take it to heart: When the economy is in a rough patch, you can’t fake it for long. Find ways to do a little extra; go beyond your usual responsibilities; pick up the slack where others are leaving work behind, or stay late when others are watching the clock. When times are tough, those who stay late will notice that their bosses have been preparing for tougher times ahead by burning the midnight oil themselves. If you’re lucky, they’ll notice you too.
2. Get Connected
   Be sure to be seen around the office as a helpful and keen employee. Know the executive, say hello to people at every level of the organization, offer to help recruit new employees, volunteer for a social committee, start a recycling program, or find new ways to become known as a valued team player. The key here is simple, and underutilized: get connected, noticed, and useful to as many people as possible. Don’t be afraid to engage management and senior executive. When times are toughest, they want only the strongest work horses by their side to help them weather the storm ahead. Take a look around you - you might notice that the energy and morale isn’t quite as high as it was when the economy was on a high. This is your chance to infuse some positive energy into your job, and shine some light on your value.
3. Start Today
   Changing your diet AFTER the heart attack isn’t very useful. And neither is making these changes AFTER the layoffs have started. If your objective is to survive the coming economic slowdown and keep your job, make these changes BEFORE things get bad. Your boss will see right through your effort if you wait until the layoffs have started.

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Steve Baldwin is CEO of Officejobs.com. With dual head offices in Canada, Officejobs.com serves reputable employers nationally. Expert recruiters provide insight and advice to employers and job seekers alike, combining advanced online recruitment technologies with old fashioned wisdom.