The economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic would long live with us as a people. It is hoped that a quick solution would be found and mainstream economic activities kick-started once again. With a projected $ 220 billion income loss in developing countries, falls in oil price and by implications government revenue, therefore it won’t be inappropriate to say that job security and income guarantee would be threatened in the immediate and foreseeable future.

However, for a proactive worker, it should not be blurry and threatening as others would want to view the situation. Job security and income guarantees are absolutely possible even in the face of the Nigerian and global economic lockdown.

STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING JOB SECURITY AND INCOME GUARANTEE

1. STAY POSITIVE.

The human mind is powerful, its steers us in the direction of our most pressing desires. At a time like this, we must cultivate a positive attitude and believe that the COVID-19 pandemic will pass and work-life will be back to normal. Never entertain doubt or lose focus. Staying positive will enable you to overcome whatever decision may be taken by your organization and give you the alibi to press on.  Note that a positive mind is like a moving vehicle that cannot be stopped; negativity kills before time and causes depression. To overcome the COVID-19 challenges and get back to work in a good state, you must stay positive and be optimistic.

• MAINTAINING GOOD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.

To remain on your job and get the assurances of earning an income requires good mental and physical health. A sit at home order, cutting out interaction with colleagues at work, taking added responsibility of caring for the kids at home, having to incur more expenses and the fear of possible job loss can result in mental health challenges when it is not properly managed.

To enable you to stay fit and be mentally prepared for the world of work after the COVID -19 episode you must be in a state of mental alertness and physical wellness. And, to achieve this, avoid mental idleness, read books, listen to inspiring messages and exercise your body to prevent obesity and other health issues.

• SEEK KNOWLEDGE AND EQUIP YOURSELF

One of the likely fallouts of this global economic crisis is downsizing of the workforce by most businesses and where this occur, only valuable, indispensable and the knowledge-driven workers would be retained. To fit into the post-COVID-19 workforce you must equip yourself, read and seek better ways of delivering your task, put yourself above your colleagues in terms of skill set and knowledge.

It is time to pick up those books and works of literature that have been on your mind.  You may want to get certified or take online courses.

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LOOK AROUND AND FIND PROBLEM THAT YOU CAN SOLVE

This period of lockdown is not a time for idleness, it is the time to sit up and solve problems especially those that have to do with your work and organization at large. It should be a time for personal work appraisal and performance evaluation. The questions should be asked:

1. What are my area career or performance deficiencies?
2. What level of improvement is required?
3. What can I do differently?
4. How can I improve?
5. What can I do now to improve my work performance?

A forward-looking worker who is determined to retain his job would constantly look for innovative ways of solving problems.

• PUT YOUR IDEAS TOGETHER

Having done a work process appraisal, you should then come up with an execution plan upon your return to work. You may share your work plan with your supervisor even before you return to work. It creates the feeling of your bond with the organization and placed you as an employee that should be taken seriously. Having said this be sensitive and relate with your superiors with knowledge during this period.

• WORK REMOTELY.

Imagine a bank employee that got in new accounts for her bank during this period or an accountant that worked from home and submit a management account to the chief executive officer or a salesman that struck business and closed a deal for his company during the lockdown. 

An employee can achieve much during this period, attend to the uncompleted task and relate this to their immediate supervisors or bosses via the internet or have a conversation on the phone. Ensure that you keep the momentum and continue to seek the interest of your organization even while at home.

• PRIORITIZE YOUR SPENDING AND SEEK FOR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Lastly, at a time like this when avenue for extra income may be limited, maintain a level of frugality and prioritize your spending. Who knows you may stay a little bit longer at home until the Coronavirus pandemic is completely eliminated.

You may want to read: JOB SECURITY DURING A PERIOD OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY: COVID-19 LOCKDOWN