Future-Proofing Your Job: 5 Steps To Remain Indispensable Amid Layoffs

Forbes

19-04-2025

It's important to know how to remain indispensable in your job amid the tariff war, layoffs and ... More economic downturns.
Amid plummeting consumer confidence, massive layoffs and unrelenting trade wars, experts agree that an economic downturn isn't just coming—it's already here. Job security and experience no longer guarantee your job. AI automation, inflation threats and drastic political changes are transforming the workplace. Experts caution that if you want to remain indispensable, you must constantly adapt, remain visible and sometimes go the extra mile, future-proofing your job in the face of the uncertainty.
America's workforce is stressed out by current events and global political instability. Increased automation, economic uncertainty and upskilling have spurred a greater need for workers to future-proof their careers and learn new job skills.
Robert E. Siegel, lecturer at Standord GSB and author of The Systems Leader, offers five tips on how workers can stay ahead of the seismic shifts and safeguard their future in this rapidly shifting economy.
1. Adopt a learning mindset. The most successful professionals treat education as a lifelong process, according to Siegel, investing time in new skills before they become essential. 'Treat your career as a continuous learning journey,' he suggests. 'Stay ahead by developing new skills before they become essential, ensuring you remain valuable in a rapidly evolving workplace.'
2. Develop cross-functional expertise. Employees who bridge disciplines—such as technology and leadership—become indispensable. 'Traditionally, executives rose to senior management through expertise in a single function—such as operations, sales, engineering or finance.' Siegel believes leaders can no longer afford to operate in silos. He insists that forward-thinking leaders develop the ability to engage with experts across different fields.
3. Leverage internal mobility. Siegel argues that sometimes the best career growth comes from within the company. He urges employees to explore those opportunities instead of only looking outside for growth. Organizations that encourage internal movement, he explains, reward employees who are willing to adapt and take on new challenges.
4. Understand how systems interact. 'The leaders who thrive aren't just domain experts; they grasp how different parts of an organization or industry connect and evolve,' Siegel says. 'The most successful professionals don't just excel in one area—they comprehend how different parts of a business or industry connect and influence each other.' He gives the examples of how incentives offered by a sales team can disrupt production demands. A cost-saving product change might alienate customers or cause product reliability problems. Or a marketing campaign needs both internal data and external customer insights to succeed
5. Stay adaptable, not just skilled. 'The pace of change means skills alone won't be enough—flexibility and a willingness to pivot are critical for long-term career security,' Siegel argues. He recommends that you prioritize adaptability over domain specific skills. 'Some professionals dismiss disruptive trends as temporary fads,' he points out. 'But ignoring shifts—whether AI, clean energy or changing workforce expectations—can be a costly mistake.
Siegel is aware that workplace communication evolves. He says assuming younger workers will naturally adopt the habits of their elders is a miscalculation, reminding us that Boomers relied on typed memos and spontaneous calls. Gen X led the email revolution. Millennials embraced texting and smartphone-based messaging. Gen Z prefers Slack and real-time collaboration tools."The reality is, adaptability--not static expertise--is the key to long-term career success," he concludes.
Standing out in the workplace, especially when you could be more invisible, is critical for your career advancement. Studies show that employees who feel seen are more likely to perform better. They're also more likely to be satisfied with their productivity, levels of engagement and job security. Being invisible has been shown to be detrimental to overall earning prospects over a person's career.
When employees go the extra mile, managers usually notice, respect the extra effort and it bodes well for workers. Managers believe the efforts make employees more motivated, engaged and productive—favorable impressions that translate into action. Employees who go out of their way to be noticed are more likely to receive a promotion and a raise, compared to those who don't.
Knowing how to get noticed can promote your career. Although it takes extra time and effort to maintain visibility, the payoff is well worth the effort. Here are steps you can take to make sure your hard work gets noticed:
1. Develop a 'visibility strategy."
2. Make sure all of your projects keep moving.
3. Take care of small details.
4. Offer new ideas.
5. Pitch in and lend a helping hand to overwhelmed co-workers.
6. Volunteer your time.
As the workforce attempts to adjust to the economic downturn, visibility isn't always easy to maintain. Yet, it's hugely important for career advancement. If you want to be seen and heard effectively, finding the right role that matches your personal set of skills and a visibility strategy that puts you in the spotlight is the ticket to future-proofing your job.