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Recession Protection: Executive Connections Offers Advice on Recession-proofing your Workplace. 

The "R’ word has left many businesses scrutinising their bottom line and finding new ways to streamline operations, cut costs and maintain staff productivity.

At the same time employees feel less secure in their jobs with many wondering if they are doing enough to keep their careers afloat.

In light of this, recruitment consultants Executive Connections have issued a number of tips for employers to maintain staff morale and guarantee 100% commitment from each staff member.

The company also offers tips for employees to stand out and avoid any potential cuts in the workforce.

Top 5 Tips for Employers to guarantee 100% commitment and dedication from staff:

1. Invest in training and upskilling your current staff:

Employees must have sufficient tools, time and training necessary to do their job well. This adds value to their company contribution and helps employees feel challenged and valued.

2. Encourage open communication:

Hold regular staff meetings to discuss new developments or problems and bi-annual appraisals to ensure employees are aware of the standards demanded in terms of productivity and quality and are performing accordingly. Appraisals are an opportunity to show employees that they are being heard and can be used as a springboard for positive change thus aiding in staff retention.

3. Make your staff feel rewarded, recognised and appreciated:

This can be as simple as saying thank you and congratulating a staff member on a job well done. Sometimes monetary rewards, such as raises, bonuses or commission, make the ‘thank you’ more appreciated.

4. Implement team-building exercises:

Teambuilding exercises are a great way of bringing your staff together and creating a good atmosphere in the workplace. These can include staff days out such as go-karting or paintball games or a night out.

5. Never threaten an employee’s job or income:

Rumours of layoffs will make employees nervous no matter how they are relayed to them. Unless it is an actual fact don’t give your employees a reason to update their CVs.

Executive Connections CEO, Hilarie Geary states that it is easy for staff to become demotivated or apprehensive about the future of their company during periods of economic strain; "Employees can help avoid any potential cuts in their workplace by ‘dazzling’ in their role and making themselves indispensable. There are several things you can do to impress your boss."

Top 5 Tips for Employees to be bottom of the list when it comes to job cuts:

1. Strive to be the best:

No matter what field of your profession, if you do not prove your worth you will be the first to be let go. During your appraisals take note of all feedback and make necessary changes to improve your work. Give 100% to everything you do - your efficiency will not go unnoticed and your boss will know they can rely on you.

2. Refocus on ‘What’s in it for them’ and not just for me:

Show your employer that you understand the macroeconomic "bigger picture" of the role you play in moving the company forward. Offer suggestions for cutting costs or generating revenue and you’ll stand out.

3. Seek new responsibilities:

When you have spare time, ask if there is anything extra you can do. Go above and beyond your basic responsibilities and show the extra value you can now bring to an organisation. During appraisals explore with your manager your future with the company. Show you’re committed and want to grow within the organisation.

4. Highlight your achievements:

Each time you do something that impacts the company, let your boss know. Leave a voicemail telling them that a project was completed or a deal closed or send a congratulations e-mail to your team and include your boss.

5. Stay positive:

While it’s easy to moan and grumble in such negative times a positive attitude goes a long way. Management want people who can boost staff morale in tough times.

Speaking of the recent economic downturn, Geary said "This shouldn’t be a problem for employers who have previously invested in career development paths for their employees. I cannot stress strongly enough, the importance of succession planning and regular career reviews within the workplace to ensure that all employees feel challenged and valued."