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.
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