People can keep their jobs by working at self-improvement
Amid the current severe global economic turmoil and the apparent trend of layoffs, many Hongkongers are frightened about losing their jobs. However, it is pointless for workers just to sit there worrying about the future. It is up to them to act.
They should appreciate that they need to remain competitive, which may mean having to get extra qualifications.
If they are looking at areas of improvement, they should consider a wide range of aspects, such as language skills, IT and acquiring additional professional qualifications.
They should conduct their own in-depth review of their capabilities and look at their own strengths and weaknesses. They should be trying to see how they can advance in the workplace.
When it comes to language improvement, English should be a priority. Surveys have shown how important English is in the workplace.
In terms of its importance, it outweighs Putonghua. Even though Hong Kong is regarded as a world-class city, some Hong Kong workers have been criticised for not being proficient in English, especially when it comes to verbal communication. Those employees who improve their English will have more bargaining power.
Also, in order to perform better in the workplace, people should enrol in vocational training. For example, accountants could study for certificates that are recognised internationally. It is particularly important for people who do not have good academic qualifications to try to get certificates so they can have a competitive edge in the workplace.
They should be constantly trying to keep pace with the changes in IT. This technology is advancing rapidly and affects virtually all workplaces. You can never know too much about computers.
Learning is not just a way of staying competitive; the process itself enriches us as individuals. Learning and knowing more about different subjects should be seen as a lifelong process.
Although the current economic tsunami can be seen as a threat to our jobs, we should also see it as being an opportunity, and we should do whatever is necessary to stay in work.
Suthida Chan, Tsing Yi
