The world is rapidly changing, leading to a lot of uncertainty...

The positive aspect is that there are measures you can take to demonstrate your value, secure your current job, and even thrive during challenging times. While nothing is certain and you can't control if your entire team is laid off, these steps can also make you a more attractive candidate if you need to look for new opportunities.

Here are 6 actions you can take to enhance your job security during uncertain times.

1. Be Resilient, Adaptable, Flexible, and Thoughtful

These are the four skills companies value most,

(R)esilience: Recovering during tough times(A)daptability: Adjusting to new environments(F)lexibility: Being ready and willing to take on various roles(T)houghtfulness: Being respectful, intentional, and communicative with colleagues

Of these, "resilience" is currently the most crucial trait. It involves doing whatever it takes to stay afloat and manage the unknown. If RAFT is about keeping the boat moving, resilience is the drive that encourages you to row.

Besides maintaining momentum, you'll also need to evolve. Pay attention to what's happening in your company and take on tasks and projects that are essential in this new reality to support your employer—whether it's managing virtual meetings or assuming a different role or extra responsibilities in a smaller company.

In other words, be adaptable if you're asked to do something outside your usual job description. Consider where else you might contribute. Being willing to step in where needed, identifying opportunities independently, and developing the discipline to follow through will require time and effort. However, it can distinguish you.

You’ll become recognized as someone who can handle anything and as an excellent colleague no one wants to lose.

2. Demonstrate Inventive Thinking

It's not only about being flexible and adaptable in your own role; you should also use your creativity for the benefit of the entire organization. Introduce new ideas to help your company navigate the unforeseen challenges of the present and future.

Vivian Chen, CEO of Rising, a flexible work platform for women, shares this sentiment. “Now more than ever, employers are looking for people who can solve their pain points,” she says.

If your suggestions can help your company gain more business or reduce expenses—leading to saved jobs, including yours—that's great. But even if your ideas don’t directly boost revenue or cut costs, your creative and resourceful contributions can still make you a valuable employee your company wants to retain.

3. Be a Lifelong Learner

Even before the global pandemic, there was always “some hot marketing skill, new sales tactic, or the latest tech stack to master. know how to learn and get up to speed quickly,” she says. “As the world changes, we have to adopt the mindset that we are students for life.”

Consider skills you haven't yet developed but may need—and focus on acquiring them, even for just one hour a week. For example, if you're a social media marketer in a smaller, more agile team, you might decide to enhance your data skills to better analyze performance and increase engagement by taking an online course and reaching out to industry peers for insights. Whatever your situation, the key is to “start with small, focused, and consistent steps”.

As you acquire new skills and knowledge, you'll discover your preferred learning methods. You'll identify the formats that help you retain information best, the most productive times of day for you, and your strengths and weaknesses, all of which will make you a better employee. You'll gain a reputation as a self-starter who takes initiative when needed.

4. Get Things Done

Having a strategic vision was once the most important skill, but now it feels like creating a “pretty PowerPoint deck” without the ability to execute it. Employers need team members who are solutions-oriented—and can execute.

Even better are problem solvers who tackle challenges without being asked.

As companies pivot to adopt new business models and revenue streams amid rising unemployment, they need employees who “can get things done, fast.” In other words: People who can roll up their sleeves and tackle the task at hand, no matter how small or “not-so-glamorous.”

Those who will succeed now are “the hardest workers with the greatest tenacity,” Telling says. “Now more than ever, those people who have grit, determination, and dedication will stand out from their peers.”

5. Keep Networking

Whether you're seeking new opportunities or not, networking is a valuable skill to develop, especially in uncertain times.

We all crave connections. And you never know when this might open doors for you. Seek out webinars to attend, set up virtual meetings, and reach out to former colleagues to check in. It's okay to be vulnerable and share your experiences—we're all in this together.

Now might be the time to help others currently affected by job loss and become known as a generous team player. “People love to help, and you might even make someone’s day by giving them a chance to make a positive impact.”

6. Bring Empathy to Everything

Soft skills like empathy are in high demand among employers. Not only will your colleagues enjoy working with you, but you're also more likely to keep your job. Candidates who demonstrate empathy towards their colleagues and clients consistently rise to the top and are generally a joy to work with.

Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that people often avoid practicing empathy due to the mental effort involved—but when they believe they are good at being empathetic, they are more likely to do it. To boost your confidence in your empathy skills—especially now when many in your company may be struggling—start by reaching out to colleagues and asking how they’re doing. Listen actively as they share, offer help in small ways, and open up in return.

With daily life in flux, it’s natural to seek stability and security. While there are no guarantees, these steps will help you strengthen your position within your current company and enhance your skillset should you need, or choose, to explore new opportunities.