At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, many workers suffered job loss. The economic crisis that arose led to a number of businesses scaling down or closing down completely, leaving countless employees stranded with no source of income. Yet for those who still had employment, lacked assurance that their jobs would remain stable.
This uncertainty still lurks, though insecurity with employment happens with or without a pandemic.
At some point in their careers, employees find themselves in a state of uncertainty about their continued employment.
Job insecurity occurs when a worker’s employment is less than stable-or the worker feels like it is. It’s the opposite of job security, when a worker has confidence that their continued employment is more or less guaranteed, the balance careers website shows.
In some ways, it doesn’t really matter whether job insecurity is objective or subjective. The negative effects of job insecurity-stress, anxiety, mental and physical health impacts are real, regardless of whether job loss is imminent.
Rovence Mutoni, a small business owner says job insecurity can be very demotivating and can also seriously affect a worker’s performance.
Some employees lose morale for their job which incidentally affects their job satisfaction, she says.
Mutoni goes on to note that the evolving technology is one of the main factors causing job insecurity among workers.
"But also, an employee can be the source of this instability. Usually when an employee perceives that their competence barely copes with what their job role demands, they automatically develop this fear.”
Davon Mugisha, a marketing manager shares how often he battles with this fear.
He says the work environment is changing so fast, that he sometimes wonders whether he will be able to keep up.
"From technology to the different skills that keep coming up, it is challenging to keep up. Due to this, some employees end up wondering how long they will be able to keep their jobs,” he adds.
Other factors that can lead to job insecurity include financial crises, employment downscaling, skills obsolesce, among others.
Job insecurity can have severe negative effects on workers’ physical and mental health. Studies have shown a connection between job insecurity and heart disease, diabetes, ulcers, headaches, back pain, and insomnia. In addition, job-insecure workers were more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking, according to the balance careers.
How to handle job insecurity
Be loyal to yourself, not an employer. Even if you love your job, your team, and your company’s mission, recognise that very few workers stay at the same employer for many years. Keep your resume updated, your skills refreshed, and your eyes and ears open, both for job opportunities and for signs that a layoff may be imminent, the website shows.
Target more secure opportunities. Pivot your career in a more secure direction. Look for jobs in government, union-backed industries, or at employers with a reputation for employee longevity.
Research in-demand skills in your field. Add these skills to your toolbox. Having a hot skill or certification might not help you keep a job, but it will certainly help you find a new opportunity should you need or want one.
As a manager, it is important to always inform employees about the status of the company, says Mutoni. "Whether it is growing or not, employees need to have a clue of what is happening. This gives them a hint on what is going on, and somehow gives them trust with their job state.”
Job insecurity has always been cause for anxiety among employees. Its effects are grim enough to warrant action, that’s why employers and employees should ensure strategies that deal with it.