How to cope with job insecurity in uncertain times

There is a rising wave of layoffs and job loss taking over the working world and it can have a severe impact on the mental health of employees. Job insecurity refers to the fear of maintaining your job is a distressing component of working in the modern world, especially during economic recessions and a change in the tides of the work environment.?

Job insecurity and a fear of layoffs can add to various other factors of worry such as loss of financial stability, social standing, loss of identity as well as other benefits that come with work. This can affect overall work performance and team morale at the workplace. It may even affect employees in their personal lives when it comes to family and relationships. It cna take a toll on physical health by impacting sleep, weight, appetite and can contribute to chronic mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse.?

As job insecurity and fear of layoffs impact many to all aspects of an employees life, here are some ways to cope with this ;

• Routine - As jobs play into our day to day routine it can feel unsettling when it feels like this routine might be stripped away, so it is important to ensure you maintain a healthy balanced routine aside from your work life.
• Proactive - Lean into your additional technical skills that can be enriched and utilised in a professional capacity and aid in the development of your career progression.?
• Community - Share your worries with peers and colleagues can be an important source of emotional support as well as advice and guidance. Having a good support system can be crucial to getting through job struggles.?
• Self Care - Maintain a self care routine that can keep you grounded such as meditation, yoga, journaling etc. In times of job uncertainty, focusing on what is within our control can help us stay afloat.?

Ultimately, the one skill that can take us far in such situations is acceptance. Attempts to manage everything will only fuel worry and uncertainty. Acknowledging that there are some things we cannot control can be the key to our mental peace in times of change.?

For many people job insecurity can be a consistent reality but it does not necessarily mean our lives have to be steeped in negativity and stress during this period of time, it can also make way to a path of growth and development. It can push us to be more mindful around saving, and upskilling ourselves.

But the most important thing to remember is that the only permanence is our well-being and this is the most essential aspect to place focus on.