The average length of time an employee works for an employer is 4.2 years, according to a 2018 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This low length of time can result in feelings of job insecurity. 

Dietitians need to ensure their worth and value to their bosses to keep their positions and remain assets to the company. Fellow dietitians share their tips on How to be Indispensable to Dietetic Your Employer.   

1. Team Player. “Be a team player and help your co-workers when they're in a bind. Not only will your employer see that he/she can count on you, but the good karma will come back to you when you're in a tough situation,” instructs Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN, CLT, Founder of TastyBalance Nutrition, Twitter: @tastybalance.
2. Be the “Yes” Person. “Be ready to say yes even if a task is beyond your experience and scares the living daylights out of you. Growth happens when you put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Be the go-to problem solver,” advises Joanne Larsen, MS, RD, LD, Founder of Dietitian.com, Twitter: @AsktheDietitian.
3. Think Outside the Box. “The best thing to do is to think outside the box and provide value-added services or be on the cutting edge professionally. These contributions will help the employer be a step ahead of the competition and contribute to an environment where you are an asset and not a liability,” informs Linda Eck Mills, MBA, RDN, LDN, FADA, Career Coach and International Speaker.
4. Open to Change. “Be open, flexible, and adaptable. Employees who are open to change and can adapt to different situations, scenarios, and work environments are indispensable to employers. Tell your boss that you are open to learning. Ask for new and different opportunities, or be vocal about your ideas,” informs Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS, Founder of Alissa Rumsey Nutrition and Wellness and the Dietitian Entrepreneur Mastermind Retreat, Instagram: @alissarumseyRD, alissarumsey.com.
5. Forward-Thinking Technology. “Be an early adopter, especially with technology. If your employer knows that you are always ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, you will be the go-to on new projects, team collaboration, and team education. Don’t be afraid to pitch new/efficient way for tasks to get done,” explains Lauri Egan, RD, CPT, Nutrition Entrepreneurs Executive Director.
6. Anticipate the needs of the business.“Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do. Be proactive and keep a running list of ideas that can help the business and discuss them to your boss,” updates Pine.  

Become indispensable to your employer. You may even get a raise or promotion when they realize the company cannot function as efficiently or effectively without you. 

For more related articles, check out: 

7 Tips to Create Your Dietetic Competitive Advantage

How to Choose Dietetic Job References Wisely

Unique Dietetic Career Paths

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.