8 New Workplace Realities

8 New Workplace Realities

Today’s workplace is drastically different from a mere 10 years ago. Whereas workers of the past could depend on steady marketplace growth, predictable career advancement, and consistent earnings, the current reality is far from that.

The only constant today is change. Pair that with a healthy dose of uncertainty, and it’s no wonder so many people who have been in the job market for more than a decade often struggle with the adapting to the current marketplace.

If you’re ready to embrace the new workplace realities so you can stay marketable in today’s economy, keep the following guidelines in mind.

In the past, you could show up on time, do as little as possible to get by, and still be assured you’d have a job tomorrow. Not so anymore. Today’s employers expect their employees to fully commit to the task at hand. That means committing to your job physically (being there on time and doing the work), mentally (thinking about your current task and not your Hawaiian vacation), and emotionally (actually enjoying your work). If you can’t commit on all three levels, it’ll show in your performance. So ask yourself, “What am I doing to commit fully to my job?”

If you’re surprised by something that happens to you at work, such as a competitor stealing your clients or a company downsizing, it’s simply proof that you live in the status quo. And these days, the status quo is the kiss of death. You simply can’t expect things to remain the same. In fact, you need to be the one initiating change and rocking the boat, as that’s the only way to stay on top in this marketplace. So ask yourself, “What have I done to break the status quo at work?” and “What am I doing differently today than I was a year ago?”

Most employees have no idea what it’s like being “the boss.” Sure, it may look like long lunches and business trips, but in reality it’s a tough gig. Between balancing the budget and balancing employees’ needs, it’s enough to make even the most seasoned business person lose a few nights sleep. If all the responsibility of the company’s success or failure were on your shoulders, you’d probably act a lot differently at work. So ask yourself, “What changes would I make if my name was on the building?”

The only thing worse than not knowing what your customers are doing… is not knowing what your competitors are doing to attract your customers. That’s why you must read up on your industry and keep atop of customer needs. If you don’t have the time to do this, you may have plenty of time in the future, because your company will be out of business. So ask yourself the following question: “How is my field/industry changing and how can I stay ahead of our competition?”

You must adopt the mindset that you and you alone are responsible for your outcomes. Even if other people help with a project, tell yourself that the project’s success or failure rests on your shoulders. This is not meant to cause undo stress on you; it’s simply to cement in your mind the idea that you are accountable for whatever transpires. So ask yourself, “What am I doing to show that I am accountable?” and “How are my outcomes measured?”

You have to go above and beyond the normal in order to stand out. While this is not a new concept, it is more important than ever to abide by it. Therefore, think about ways that you can add value to your current role. And remember that added value does not mean putting in more hours or even doing more work. Sometimes it’s about sharing your expertise with co-workers, connecting key people together, or just doing some self-improvement work that can reflect in your job. So ask yourself, “Why should the company keep me?”

Only you can dictate how happy or unhappy you are at work. Regardless of what’s going on around you – the economy, your co-workers, industry changes, etc. – it’s up to you to decide how you’re going to respond to those external factors. You can either respond in a positive or negative manner, and both outcomes are entirely in your control. Always remember that it’s not management’s job to deal with individual morale issues. So ask yourself, “What am I doing to increase morale?”

The reality is that it’s tough to stay positive amidst constant chaos, but it’s something you must do. Often within chaos lie the seeds of endless opportunities. Think about it…how many times have heard that after someone experienced something devastating, something positive came from it? Getting that dream job after being downsized…finding true love after getting a divorce…starting a profitable online business after closing a traditional store…these are just a few examples. Look at every situation as a learning experience, and ask yourself, “What opportunities have come from change?”

The more you adapt your thinking and work style to today’s reality, the happier and more successful you’ll be in all areas of your life. Review these 8 New Work Realities to stay on top of your career and to challenge yourself to constantly rebrand and grow professionally.