What to do when your employer is in an economic crunch?

Considering that the economy has a credit crisis on hand, many employers will be tightening their belts from an expenditure stand point, to stop the water from going over the dam or better yet plug the holes in the dam. At the same time, businesses will evaluate how they can increase their cash flow during a downward turn of events that have customers and consumers sitting on their wallets.

This is not just the time for management to be frugal but also for staff members as well. You may think what can I do or why should I care.

First, there are many reasons you should care. You should care because if nothing else but of who you are or what you are made of. What kind of grit you have or just like a lot of Moma's have told their children, anything worth doing is worth doing right. You should care because your job could be in jeopardy or your neighbor's job. It is a collective effort that will make the American economy rebound (worldwide will follow). You should care because many problems in today's society fall back on individuals not taking responsibility for their own actions. This is not the time to sit back and see what happens but rather participate in grasping our own boot straps and trying to make something work or work better.

So you care but what can you do? First you question everything. From the time you clock in or report to work to the time you hit the door to leave. Question it all. Matter of fact, question things even when not on the clock. Some of your best ideas may happen when you’re not focused on all the trees of your work day but rather in a lesser stress environment allowing you to look at the entire forest. Every dime or dollar saved is a dime or dollar toward the bottom profit margin line. We're not talking about Sherry Crow and using one tear of toilet paper but that is part of the theory. Can we get by with less, can we eliminate a process, or can we make something more productive and efficient. Don't sit back and think no one will listen or there is no way something can be changed. Don't be hesitant due to worries over what others will think. Your ideas may make someone else's habits or comfort zone change and there will likely be some resistance.

Here are some areas of possibilities to evaluate.

Work schedules: Longer shifts and less days

Office supplies: bulk and elimination

Equipment: networked printers, energy savers

Processes: elimination of unnecessary work and duplication

Responsibilities: job descriptions and expectations

Once your evaluations have uncovered a possible change that could save a dime or make a dollar, then the question becomes of what to do with the idea to get it implemented. That can only be determined by existence of what type of business structure your company maintains. There are many business models whereas some have strong chain of commands such as military, or many levels as may be the case can be with corporations, or can be confusing with small businesses like partnerships. You should determine the proper or correct course prior to pursuing or attempting anything. Do you have the authority to make change without others input or approval? Is there a clear cut process already devised such as a suggestion box? If you bypass someone could there or will there be repercussions and are you willing to face those challenges?

Do your homework. Don’t just throw your idea on the wall and wherever it splatters, so be it. Maybe you don’t have all the answers, but you want to at a minimum, explain why you think a change or new program policy or even elimination of a process will be beneficial and cost saving to the organization. Even if the reason behind your proposal is self serving, provide some information or data or thinking of the possibilities that the idea may provide. What if your idea creates more responsibility for you? Are you going to perceive this as a burden? Be prepared that your idea may create more duties for others and some resentment may build but thru proper implantation of change should include the big picture of a company’s healthy bottom line meaning more job security.