Do More With Less

If you find yourself part of a reduced staff, it is important to make sure you are spending your time on the most essential tasks.

"It's important to communicate with your manager," says Kami Schneiderman, vice president of OfficeTeam in Bloomington. "To assess what is necessary and what is not."

If you find yourself assigned with work that you don't have the skills for, try and find someone who can help.

"Look at projects that can be delegated to others," says Schneiderman.

In addition to things you should do, there are things you shouldn't do. The most important thing is to remember that you are part of a team.

"Avoid the `that's not my job' mentality," says Schneiderman.

Intra-networking

The threat of layoffs may affect you, but you don't have to sit around and wait for the axe to fall. Make yourself too valuable to downsize.

First, let your manager know what skills you possess. Also, take the opportunity to get more training on skills and systems.

"Well-trained employees are often the last to go if companies are forced to do layoffs," says Schneiderman.

Schneiderman adds that admins who are in manag-ement roles should be sure to keep their workers informed of what's going on at the company. "It's good for workers to see that there's light at the end of the tunnel," she says.

The economy is affecting personal and professional lives, but proactively dealing with the situation can keep your career from being an economic casualty.