The fear or feeling of losing one’s job for whatever reason is known as job insecurity. There are many reasons why they feel this way, and it could be because of the nature of their position, the state of the country or economy and their overall well-being.
Job insecurity can be categorised into two types: acute and chronic. Acute job insecurity involves thinking about getting laid off in the next coming weeks. Meanwhile, chronic job insecurity consists in thinking about job loss or layoffs even if the business and industry are doing well.
Impact of Job Insecurity
Job insecurity has severe impacts on anyone who experiences it, especially their health. Several studies have shown that job insecurity was cited as a reason for workers’ heart ailments, ulcers, headaches, diabetes, and insomnia. Some would even start on unhealthy habits as a way to cope with their job insecurity. In terms of mental health, stress, anxiety and other similar mental health disorders were also discovered amongst those experiencing job insecurity concerns.
How to Handle Job Insecurity
Whether you are the team leader of an employee suffering from job insecurity or you are the one facing this problem, there are various ways to deal with job insecurity safely and make coping more manageable, as follows:
- Be true to yourself and not to your employer – Even if you love the company you are working for, you should always be on the lookout for career openings that will be good for you in the long run. Keep your resume updated and regularly monitor for signs that you need to switch jobs or there is a change in the company.
- Find more stable and secure jobs -As an employee, it is always best to find stable employment to prevent such sentiments as job insecurity from affecting your mindset. Check legitimate job search sites, government news boards and industry sites for potential openings.
- Open communication between you and your coworkers – A great way to avoid job insecurity is by opening workplace communication. The open channels can help employees be heard, and you, as the team leader, can use this platform to assuage their fears and calm them down. It is also a great time to appraise their work.
- Offer mental health coaching and job search opportunities – As a team leader, you need to show your employees that you are ready to help them in any way, especially if they lose their jobs. For these employees, the fact you care gives them courage and helps them with the coping process.
If you feel insecure about your job or know someone who is uncertain about their career future, take a pause and look at what is available to help you cope with these fears. It is ok to fear the unknown when it comes to our jobs. But, if you are willing to face it and get help, you will be able to get your fears controlled and have contingency plans for the future.
Mental health is important. Here is why you should take a break every now and then:
Take A Break!
Time for a break!
Preparing your break
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Kally, all good advice. I said about ten years ago, employees no longer have company loyalty as companies killed it. I have seen too many vintages of downsizing, rightsizing, RIFs, paring down, outsourcing, offshoring, etc. that are handled poorly. Seeing a colleague being walked to the door after twenty years is not inspiring. Your thoughts are that could be me. So, job insecurities are not imaginary.
I know of one company that would have an annual purge just before review time. Why then? To cut the salary increase budget. Yet, when they move people out and want a normal distribution of ratings, that means people who would have gotten “meets expectations” or “exceeds expectations” get lower ratings.
As a former manager and consultant, my advice is do your job well for your sake first and foremost and have an updated resume ready. Plus, stay connected with professional groups. And, never burn any bridges when you leave. Treat your employer better than they would treat you if they let you go. It is your reputation not theirs that matters.
Keith
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Thank you so much for your contribution, Keith. I do know sone companies like the one you mentioned, do cuts before review time. I have also heard of companies who cut away employees just because they don’t fit in the bosses’ cliques.
Good advice on never to burn bridges. I have had managers that I worked for, becoming my staff in other companies. You never know what lies in the future!
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Kally, so very true on what lies ahead. Keith
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Actually, the best cure for any kind of insecurity, employability or otherwise, is to know what will happen after one dies. Sounds morbid, but when one’s faith is in the Creator revealed in Jesus, the Christ, we will not have significant fears.
Note, “significant” fears. That is, we are still human, and situations and problems that occur WILL generate fear in us; I do not look forward to failing body organs with age, or to job loss without income. But after the initial fear hits us, we who know Jesus will come out the other side of it with deeper trust in The God Who Is.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
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Well! It is never a good feeling when the job is uncertain and you can lose it overnight. The feeling of insecurity causes stress and even work suffers.
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Yes, to have it hanging over your head, day in day out is terrible.
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it’s true
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Thanks for sharing this need to know information. You always share good advice. Have a blessed day.
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Thank you so much for your comment. Have a blessed day.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for this great presentation, Kally! Yes, thoughts on job insecurity are coming up more and more, during this pandemic without end. You are giving great advices. Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you, Michael. I hope this post will help somewhat to ease the anxiety of those facing job insecurity.
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