No one is indeed indispensable, anyone can become unnecessary, sacked, or not needed. But then there are those who when they are not around, things won’t just go right. With the high rate of unemployment and how competitive the labor market is, one needs to note that making themselves indispensable at work is an ideal way to ensure job security and also be very much needed in the place of work. An employer would not hesitate to sack an employee who he finds incompetent in the place of work.
One must understand that being indispensable doesn’t necessarily mean that the employer must have a soft spot for you, it entails you putting in the required efforts and skills necessary to be valued in the workplace.
There are so many ways how you can make yourself indispensable in the workplace, but I will be focusing on four (4) of them
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
Go Beyond Your Expectations: Not everyone is willing to go beyond their expectations and this can be very risky in the workplace because it puts their position in jeopardy. Even though an employee has been assigned to perform a specific role in the workplace, they shouldn’t perform only the role required of them If they want to remain valuable. One secret to being indispensable in the workplace is to accept extra responsibilities. This will not only show that you are hardworking, but it will also show that you are dedicated to the company. Most of the time, it is not everything that the manager will dictate, as someone who is industrious and efficient, the manager expects you to go outside your way to ensure that you bring about progress in the workplace.
Keep Your Skills Up-To-Date: It is not enough that the skills that got you the job will be relevant in the next five years. The world is rapidly evolving, one needs to move with the pace so they won’t be stagnant. As technology evolves, so must professionals. Without even stating it, most bosses expect their employees to keep their professional skills up to date. Staying abreast of the latest developments in your industry can show continuous improvements and help you become a more efficient and effective employee. Asides from updating your skill, your educational degree is also not left out. Furthering higher such as getting a master’s degree can make you indispensable and also get you promoted in the workplace. I know a story of a young man who was frustrated that he never got promoted in his workplace while his colleagues were promoted to bigger positions. He later discovered that most of his colleagues furthered their studies that earned them promotions. Those who had just a bachelor’s degree went ahead to get a master’s degree. Some employers are not lenient to keeping employees who refuse to upgrade, they lay them off right away.
Proffer Solutions And Generate New Ideas: Most managers would not want to work with employees who are solely dependent on them for everything. Once something goes wrong in the workplace, rather than looking for a way to fix it, they would always run to the manager to complain. Such employees do not last in the place of work, because they are often seen as being incompetent. An employee who looks for ways to improve any area of their role or beyond in the workplace is usually indispensable. A manager values those who proffer solutions and bring ideas in the workplace which often lead to progress. One secret to note is this, to be indispensable in a workplace, always think of ideas and proffer solutions that can greatly improve your job role and the set goals of the organization. Not bringing any solution is often interpreted by the manager as being dormant.
Be Adaptable: Being adaptable is a very vital skill to survive in the labor market. Once you are adaptable to changes in the workplace, it gives the impression that you are committed to the job. Showing your adaptability can demonstrate that you are willing to take on new responsibilities or roles. For example, if your company introduces new software that all employees must use, show that you are enthusiastic about learning how to use it.
Final Thoughts
Being indispensable in a workplace is very possible although nothing is guaranteed. Becoming indispensable to your organization certainly won’t be easy. It takes hard work, commitment, and unflinching dedication. You need to acquire the right knowledge, develop critical skills, and form strong bonds with those you work with.
