In tough economic times, even the most secure employees can be worried about their jobs. After all, large and seemingly successful companies have let go of thousands of quality workers due to an inability to maintain financial momentum.

Is anyone safe? How do people make sure that they are left with a chair when the music stops?

Some people are fairly safe due to the particular type of work that they do or their position within an organization. However, others may need to be a bit more proactive so that they solidify their relative value to the company.

Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to work and some people need to keep working on their marketability even though they have a job. With that in mind, here are a few ways to make yourself invaluable at work.

No. 5: Production quality

It may seem like an obvious statement, but people need to do good work if they are going to maintain a solid reputation in the workplace.

Companies like production, and if a person continues to bring in revenue, save costs and display a notable amount of production, it may be hard to get rid of him or her.

When organizations start to look at employee cuts, they try to figure out which employees will be missed the least. If people are working hard and producing, a company may be more hesitant to kick their stars to the curb.

Of course, some jobs are not specific revenue generators and certain individuals may not have the authority to cut costs or produce obvious outcomes for the company. In those cases, the employee may need to pursue some quick self-education and learn some new skills ...

No. 4: Become an 'expert'

Being an "expert" on something can be a great way to maintain some level of job security.

In order to keep a job, people do not necessarily have to know absolutely everything about a particular area. They may simply need to know more than everyone else in the office.

Expertise may apply to company software, policies and procedures, manufacturing logistics and data location. The savvy employee will recognize those areas of expertise that are crucial to company operations, and they will make sure that they are aware of what is going on.

In some cases, people may even want to teach themselves new software programs or other technological solutions so that they can showcase their value to the company.

Of course, a person can also make sure that they keep work flowing their way ...

No. 3: Volunteer for tasks

Certain tasks are undesirable, which is why some people avoid particular types of work.

There are times when a supervisor will ask for volunteers to work on a project or task. Rather than look at the floor, enterprising employees should make sure they volunteers as quickly as possible.

Not only does it provide you with work, but it also has the potential to impress your supervisor. Never underestimate the sentimental attachments employers may have formed with the go-to people in the department when it comes time to make employee cuts or reassign certain staff.

The tasks may be undesirable, but they may be more desirable than looking for a new job.

Granted, work is also about connections so that there is the potential for other opportunities should a need arise ...