What’s profession cushioning? That is the most recent office development that you must find out about

Employees are keeping their options open with ‘plan b’ jobs in a new workplace trend called ‘job buffering’.

The recession, rising cost of living, and fear of being fired has led to new career tactics among employees, which involves networking and expanding skill sets.

The trend does not involve actively seeking a new role, but instead focuses on building your value so that you are remembered by those in the industry.

Melbourne career expert Sue Ellson told FEMAIL that ‘it pays to let people know what you can do and the value you bring’ rather than explain your job or the company you work for.

The recession, rising cost of living, and fear of being laid off have led to new career tactics among employees, which involves networking and expanding skill sets (file image)

“The reality is that most of us will face downsizing, redundancy or reduced hours throughout our working lives,” said Ms. Ellson.

“When this happens, we suddenly realize how precarious it is to have a job today and not have a job tomorrow, so we start devising strategies to make sure we maintain our income.”

To ‘buffer’ your career, be sure to keep your network up to date, whether it’s in person at events or on LinkedIn.

This way, when a position becomes available, employers will have a select few in mind for the position.

Also be open about your career prospects on LinkedIn so employers can really see your value.

Networking also helps keep ‘passive candidates’ top of mind for employers when positions open up.

“Passive candidates are not necessarily job seekers, but because they have good quality skills, knowledge and networks, they are prime targets for a headhunter or someone looking for them online,” said Ms Ellson.

“Up to 90 percent of jobs are never advertised, so staying ‘in the know’ is vital, and personal referrals are one of the best ways to secure a new role.”

This ‘buffering’ will help you stay favored over others and employed throughout your career.

Next, compare the skills you have with the possible job you want; this may require taking a course or reading books to improve your skills.

Consider making a long-term plan of what you want to accomplish or a position you would be willing to take if you lost your job.

Ms Ellson added: “It’s great to see more people living a life of intention and making conscious decisions about how they can align with the right opportunity.”

‘I’m not a fan of changing jobs for the sake of it, or applying for practice jobs, as it’s very distracting and wastes the employer’s time, but learning the skills to get a job, as well as the skills to do a Work is essential in a world where everything is changing at a faster rate than at any time in history.’

It follows after Australians saw the rise of ‘quitting quietly’ which involves employees doing less to improve their life balance and avoid burnout.