THERE is yet hope for Jamaicans concerned by the downturn in the economy, which could see hundreds, certainly from the public sector, losing jobs this year.

Karen Fitz Ritson, director of the business consultancy firm Fitz Ritson and Associates, said there are several strategies workers can employ to realise job security this year. Topping her list of recommendations is the right attitude.

“You need to have the right attitude because no matter how qualified you are, if you don’t have the right attitude, your bosses have options,” she told Career & Education.

Workers must also ensure that they are armed with the requisite qualifications to perform their jobs and must remain focused on results.

“You must be relevant. This means that you must keep up-to-date on your skill sets and try to be the best at what you do,” Fitz Ritson said. “You must be results-oriented. It is not satisfactory to know your job and not be able to fulfil your job.”

The consultant added that confidence and a willingness to go to bat for one’s organisation will also prove crucial.

“Be confident. Prove to your employer that you have the right to be there,” she advised. “Be a stakeholder in your organisation. In a recessionary environment and thereafter, you want your company to know that you are a part of the team and you will work hard to ensure the company’s success.”

Executive coach Henry Lewis, like Fitz Ritson, recommends ensuring that you have the right skills to meet the changing needs of today’s workplace.

“In an uncertain economy, the rules at the workplace are changing without notice; now is the time to re-evaluate your strategy if you are going to remain employed in 2010,” he cautioned. “Upgrade old skills and add new ones to your résumé. You can decide to pay to do this or learn it on your own through self-training.”

Volunteering, Lewis said, is one way of acquiring new skills.

“If your job does not have a volunteering policy or programme, you can volunteer outside of your workplace. It’s an easy way to develop new skills and meet new people,” noted the chief executive officer of Caribbean Coaching Centre.

Also important, Lewis said, will be to leave personal problems at home.

“If you don’t, they will affect your productivity and performance,” he said, adding that it is also necessary to go the extra mile while on the job.

“Work outside the confines of your job description. Volunteering to cover for other staff in their absence is a good way to increase your competence in a new area. A vacancy in that area might just be filled by you some time in the future,” he told Career & Education.

“Boost your value by boosting your profile. Work on your bad attitude. Practise to talk with a smile on your face. Be pleasant to customers and respectful to everyone. You keep your company in business by the positive attitude you display,” he added.

At the same time, Lewis said workers needed to ensure that their functions served the larger goals of the organisation.

“Familiarise yourself with the vision and mission of your organisation. All in all, enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lewis, a trained psychologist, has suggested that developing an effective strategy for dealing with stress on the job will also prove helpful. Among other things, he suggested cultivating allies at work to achieve this goal.

“Just knowing you have one or more co-workers who are willing to assist you in times of stress will reduce your stress level. Just remember to reciprocate and help them when they are in need,” he said. “Stay far from those with negative attitudes. Negativism will suck the energy and motivation you need to perform at your best, so keep it positive and if you cannot manage certain things, get help.”

In addition, he urged workers to treat themselves at the end of the week as it “boosts energy, self-esteem and confidence” for work the following week.

“Try to put some order in your life. Organise your day, your desk, your work space, your thoughts, your handbag, your car, and most importantly your time,” he said. “Don’t over-commit yourself. If you have a tight schedule, ensure you take a short break to refuel. The greatest stressor is in the area of relationships; ensure you manage your relationships or they will manage you.”