Staying Afloat in a Downsized Sea of Workers

Despite a looming 2.3 billion dollar deficit and anticipated steep cuts in services, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said that layoffs of city workers are, “not in the cards.” But thousands working through the dark days of Wall Street will not be as fortunate, especially with the demise of Lehman Brothers, and the merger of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.

There will however be survivors after the hatchet makes its way through the financial and other sectors. Those left behind will be in arguably rocky waters. If you’re one of the few “lucky” ones trying to keep it together in the office, here are some strategies you can put to use to cultivate a resilient and safe disposition.

1. Be at your best, at all times. Don’t ever assume that the corporate sword won’t swing in your direction. Paranoia is not called for but instead patience with yourself. Keep to your deadlines and commitments and if you need to alter them for any reason be up front about it before the hour glass runs out.
2. Have your own at-work relaxation trigger. Place a simple picture on your desk or a piece of jewelry that reminds you to simply take a one- three minute break to stop what you are doing and decompress. Work Life balance starts with your own personal routine.
3. Suspend judgment of your co-workers. The quickest way to be thrust into the anger zone is to focus on what your colleagues are doing – or not doing. You don’t know what they are going through in this time of crisis and making assumptions about the way they are handling things will only cause you grief.
4. Relinquish the need for gossip. This is one of the most difficult things to do when word of chaos spread so quickly. The problem – you might get faulty information and act on it. What’s worse is that it’s an energy waster. Spend the time on being productive instead.
5. Take the initiative. In a downsized environment, most will be spread thin and overloaded with work. Taking on an extra project might be a way to stand out, but do it wisely. Suggest a better way of doing the work, a team to work on it together, or a way to combine a few necessary projects and then share the work among a few colleagues.
6. Reduce info-overload. Examine your behaviors with regard to the number of papers or websites you read every day. Obviously the sector you work in might impact your decisions. But you probably don’t have to head to YouTube every day to check out the latest music video. You can manage worklife flexibility by mindfully navigating sensory overload.
7. Develop unique skills and gifts. We never know if we’re even going to wake up the next day. Take the time to do now – what you have always promised yourself you would do. Whether it’s taking a knitting class, learning PowerPoint, or learning a new language – any additional skills you acquire that you have a heartfelt affinity for, might in some way make you more marketable in the future or even lay the foundation to start your own business.