HOW TO SURVIVE THIS PERIOD IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE LOCKED UP AT HOME? ????????????????????????

HAVING MORE DAYS IN LOCKDOWN????.- This is must read for every employee.

A lot has been said about how businesses ( employers) can survive during this COVID 19 crisis but little has been talked about employees who are in the lock down and could loose or have already lost their jobs during this time or even after.

It is not a secret that the world has more employees than entrepreneurs and we understand that the pandemic has not only affected business owners but employees too. As employees, there are a lot of things that are going in our minds and one of these top on the list is the security of the pay check within and after this crisis.

At least every ambitious employee had a lot of hope in 2020 and this came with many dreams of either getting a promotion, pay rise, new job offers etc. but all these now remain in doubt after the situation continues to worsen.

As we continue going through this crisis, it is of good reasons to make some reflections about our career and our employee life. We can’t say everyone will have their job affected but it is good to prepare your mind and create a check with in yourself of what the future might hold . Here are my top 10 ideas on what an employee can do during this lock down.

1. Keep in the communication loop with your organization. Most employers have taken the aspect of communication as key during this time and I would implore employees to be active participants. On a day to day basis, find out what your organization is communicating and demonstrate receipt of this information as well giving any feedback on how you are spending your time for those working from home. If your company isn’t communicating, reach out to them and understand how they everything is running.

2. Go through your contract terms for clarity. It is a good time to re look at your contract terms and understand what your contract says about such crisis including financial difficulties of the company. You can Look out for benefits like to do medical insurance and life insurance policies as you cant tell what might happen in the next days about your health.

3. Be part of the solution. Don’t just be that employee who is sitting at the back and waiting for the pay check amidst the company’s struggle. Be as much innovative as possible and come up with strategies that can support your company during such a time. It could be as simple as a work from home idea or technology that can reach customers remotely and generate revenue for the company amidst the lock down Research how other companies are surviving and advise your leadership on some techniques they can copy.

4. Review your career goals and strategies. The beginning of 2020 had many set goals for the new year and many may still not have achieved these while the chances of achieving these also remains in doubt. Many companies are relooking their strategic plans and the same should be with each employee. Create catch up strategies where necessary on that course that was interrupted, see how you can re position yourself in the post COVID19.

5. Review your income sources and financial management techniques. Salary has been our many sources of income and to some this is not enough to save or create an emergency fund. I just had an online training to a group of Rotracts yesterday and I shared my experiences on how I have started several income generating projects and helped many set up these as a consultant. Attend my next training in Business and Career Solutions (BACS) Hub Africa.

6. Learn a new skill during this period. Utilize several online courses. It could be as simple as learning how to use Ms Excel or Zoom for meetings or a cooking course. Get something that can keep your mind engaged. You can get some of these courses for free on YouTube and other platforms.

7. Utilize this time to connect with your family and a call to your fellow employee or boss makes sense as well.

8. Last and most important keep safe and follow the health guidelines. Your life and health matter as an employee and that is the only way you can assure yourself of a pay check.

9. Work from Home. Even when it is not mandatory, find something that you can work on during time. It could be a project document, it could be a client proposal or an assignment that you left office unfinished. Just do something to keep your busy.

10. Refresh your mind and make sure you utilize this time as if you were on leave. It is likely you may not have leave again. Do exercises and take interest in reading a book or even writing one incase you can.

 Above all let us stay safe and follow the WHO guidelines. Due to demand, I will be conducting a Facebook live training on how to start a side hustle and create a side income. Incase you missed this, follow the link to join my Facebook group where I will be sharing the full details.

https://web.facebook.com/groups/396274481084489/

Peace and Blessings. ???? and praying you keep your Job

Samuel Ibanda, CPA- Founder Business and Career Solutions (BACS) Hub Africa.

Career & Business Consultant, Finance and Tax Specialist, CPA Tutor.