Are You a Valuable Employee?

The locally owned pizza place where we work is not exactly booming this weekday evening. We have our list of nightly side-work, and with the slow trickle of customers we have already completed all that we can do without closing. So, she feels useless. Not without compassion, the manager sympathizes, even lets her get away with doing nothing for a little while.

The end result, though, is that she is going home an hour early. For an hourly employee with just this one job to pay the bills, that means a smaller check which doesn't go as far. Is there another way that she could have handled this? Absolutely, she could have done something to benefit the company and herself.

The customer comes first - it goes hand in hand with always being right. Having a fabulous tableside manner, and giving the guests a great dining experience is key in any restaurant. Then what do you do when you hit a slow period? How do you show your employer that you contribute when there are not guests to assist?

Why go above and beyond?

Labor costs are an important consideration in today's companies. Service industry workers may not have to worry about their jobs being outsourced to Nigeria, but employers still want to see a return on their investment. Cutting labor costs can be seen as a good way to strengthen the overall financial picture. If they want to avoid being the cost that gets cut, employees need to make sure that their value to the company is clear.

Showing your employer your value does more than just keep you from being sent home early. Employees who contribute beyond the minimum requirements of their jobs are seen in a more positive light by management and employers. These employees show that they are team players who take an active interest in seeing the business succeed. They clearly differentiate themselves from those who are merely looking to collect a paycheck.

Employees who show value, and who are willing to do more than just the minimum, are likely to be the first to be considered if a promotion opportunity arises. Also, anything else you may need from your employer - different shifts, certain days off, a forgiving attitude when you're running behind - comes more easily when your value is clear. Don't forget one of the greatest rewards is personal satisfaction. Knowing that you've done the job well and taking pride in your work is a wonderful thing.

So, how can you show your employer your value?

We all have value and are able to offer unique contributions. The key is being aware of your value and being willing to take the steps necessary to show this to your employer.

· Know your strengths. Areas in which you have a natural talent are areas in which it is easiest to shine.

· Know your weaknesses. Weak spots are the perfect places to start making improvements. Working on them also shows that you take your position seriously.

· Be willing to help. Is one of your strong points a weak point for a co-worker? Take a few minutes to help out with a task, or, better yet, let them in on your "secret" with a few tips. This also helps to establish you as a cooperative team player.

· Pay attention. Someone mentions that they need something that's right next to you? Hand it to them without waiting to be asked. Someone gets interrupted in the middle of restocking? Finish filling it. Small, helpful acts add up, and your co-workers will - usually - appreciate your helpfulness.

· Watch for tasks 'slipping through the cracks'. Whether or not you have a list of daily tasks, some tasks are probably so basic that it is assumed that they will be done. Become aware of which things are not specifically anyone's job, and, when you have a few minutes, check to see if any of those tasks need to be done.

· Keep busy. Everyone has their off days. As a general rule, though, you should have no more than a few minutes of "down time" in a shift. If you find yourself with spare time, find a project. There is always something that can be cleaned, stocked, straightened or organized.

· Volunteer. If you truly have no idea where to start, or everyone else seems terribly busy and you want to help in the most effective way, ask. See if co-workers need a hand, or ask a manager if there is something specific that you can help to accomplish.

Always remember that you are a valuable asset. It is important to contribute as much as possible to the big picture, and to show your employer that you are a valuable employee - and that you value your position in the company.