Are you worried you may lose your job soon? You’re not alone. Many workers are regularly thinking about what they’d do if they lost their job today, which is the primary source of anxiety. Needless to say, workers worrying about losing their jobs is not suitable for their mental well-being or their job security. Employers are not getting an easy ride either, as distracted workers dent business productivity.
Job Loss Anxiety
What’s causing the anxiety in workers, and what can they and their employers do about it?
There are many reasons employees are fretting about their employment. One is the future of work – so let’s learn more about what the future of work is and what workers and employers can do to manage its disruption.
The Future of Work
Gartner says the future of work has been reinvented to deal with the challenges of today, including:
- Digital transformation
- Company culture
- Workplace reinvention
- Hybrid workforce
The future of work and everything it represents, i.e., technology, economic and social shifts, are changing just about everything in business at a rapid pace that disrupts business operations and productivity.
Digital Transformation
While digital transformation is exciting as it improves processes, there’s no denying the job losses to technology like automation and AI. However, businesses can manage the disruption to employees with clear communication and support, including assisting staff who will lose their job.
We all want to be in control of our lives and careers. Where there is no clear path to another role within the business, companies can go the extra mile to provide healthy redundancy packages that include recruitment consulting to fast-track existing employees into their next job.
Company Culture
Businesses are worried about brand reputation and how the future of work is reshaping their company culture. How a business supports existing employees will affect staff sentiment and their productivity. Plus, the services delivered to customers and the overall feeling about the company’s culture.
Today all companies must have a DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) policy for hiring and managing staff.
However, businesses may be lacking in their communication, knowledge sharing, and employee training on DEI requirements.
Managing biases among staff is a top priority for HR. Inadequate team cohesion and unity can erupt into discontent where misinformation can get a grip and undo the good work done to create an inclusive company culture.
Workplace Reinvention
The acceptance of remote working for at least part of the week has disrupted companies and affected workers. Additionally, the use of distant offshore employees who seldom ever show up at their actual jobs.
Lack of face-to-face interaction and mostly vacant workplaces harm employees’ mental health. Workplace loneliness has an impact on employees’ confidence and productivity. According to Gallup, managers may reduce loneliness by doing things like
- Initiatives that foster collaboration and social ties among staff
- Respect and approval among peers
- Fostering relationships
Encouraging all employees, regardless of where they are situated, to participate in weekly team meetings via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp, or your chosen communication platform. Here are some steps you may take if you’re experiencing workplace loneliness:
- Go outdoors to get some fresh air during a break.
- Make tea or coffee in the communal area and then leave.
- Perform a kind deed for a coworker.
- Make plans to have lunch with a coworker or friend.
Hybrid employees
Human employees may find it difficult to deal with the emergence of robot employees and a hybrid workforce.
Businesses must have a communications strategy that educates and supports employees who may be affected by the usage of software that substitutes for human coworkers or robots. Some workers find both of these scenarios to be disturbing. For instance, when a worker is replaced by automation or AI, friendships are built and may be lost. Additionally, who can predict what it will be like to work for a robot manager?
Economy
Negative economic feelings and learning that your company is considering staff layoffs will be upsetting and induce worry about losing your job.
Businesses might lessen this reaction by explaining how they believe the local and global economy affects their business. Employees turn to management for leadership and a strategy to deal with choppy market circumstances.
Do your web research if you’re concerned about how rising inflation would affect your ability to find work.
Discover the phases of the economic cycle, such as their expansion, apex, and contraction. For laymen, Investopedia is an excellent resource. The more you understand how commerce and economies work, the more self-assurance you’ll have in managing how you respond to change in your career and at work.
Final Reflections
There is no stopping change. We also cannot stop the upheaval brought on by the future of employment. You can manage change in the workplace, whether you are an employer or an employee.
The techniques and steps outlined in this article may help readers overcome their worry over losing their jobs and other work-related fears.
