Job security: how to boost your team’s confidence in the future – and why work stability matters

What impacts job security?

Many factors impact job security across the globe, however, there are five common trends in today's job market:

1. Economic downturns

Downturns and recessions usually lead to job losses and layoffs. The tech industry is hit particularly hard when recession looms or hits, along with the automotive, banking, financial services, and e-commerce sectors. As well as laying off employees when economic uncertainty is in the air, many employers hesitate to hire new people. It goes without saying that current employees begin to worry about the security of their jobs when the economy slows down – it’s natural to wonder if a redundancy is on the horizon for them, and how they will cope financially if it does happen.

2. Political unrest

Thanks to globalization, when there’s a crisis in one part of the world it often has a wide-reaching ripple effect. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, for example, resulted in nearly 5 million job losses and hard economic times in Ukraine, but also contributed to higher global commodity and energy prices². In turn, this worsened food shortages and stoked inflation in many regions across the world. Little wonder many workers feel anxious about their job security during volatile times.

3. Rising cost of living

With the cost of living on the rise across the globe, more people are taking on second jobs and starting side hustles to supplement their income³. While this can provide financial relief for employees, it can present challenges for your organization. Some employees working in hybrid or remote roles even find a way to work two full-time jobs without your knowledge or permission. As you can imagine, this leads to decreased or poor performance and has the potential to impact business success.

4. Globalization and outsourcing

The gig economy has created new work opportunities for millions of people worldwide and has allowed businesses to grow beyond their home countries. However, it has also affected job security.

An increasing number of people are opting for short-term or freelance work instead of – or on top of – a regular 9-to-5 job. In fact, more than half the US population is expected to have engaged in gig work by 2027⁴. Although the work provides flexibility and independence, it offers less stability than traditional jobs. Plus, when companies outsource these jobs, in-house employees may lose their jobs or have their roles altered.

5. Technological advancements

The world of work is changing fast. With the help of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, we can get certain tasks done faster. However, there's a downside. Goldman Sachs economists predict the latest wave of AI technology could automate as many as 300 million full-time jobs worldwide⁵. This means many roles in the private and public sectors that were once seen as stable and secure now face the prospect of being replaced.

What is job security?

The definition of job security is simple. It means employees feel confident and assured about keeping their jobs longer. This eases anxiety and fears about the possibility of getting fired or laid off. Plus, it increases employee engagement, motivation, and productivity.

There is no absolute job security – layoffs and redundancies happen – but there are ways to tell if your job is secure for the time being.

Some key indicators of job security include a regular and consistent work schedule, long-term contracts, opportunities for career growth, and solid employee benefits.

What advantages does job security offer to employers and employees?

Having a sense of job security is important for both employers and employees as it allows them to plan for the foreseeable future and make important long-term decisions.

Employers can retain skilled workers and plan for large projects over an extended period of time. Likewise, employees can comfortably pay their bills, save for future expenses, and achieve financial stability.

The benefits of job security are endless. Let's explore more reasons why employers and employees value a high degree of job security.

5 ways job security benefits employers

1. Boosts employee retention

When employees feel secure in their jobs, they are more engaged and tend to stick around longer. This is great for you as an employer because you get to keep experienced staff who already know your company culture and how things work. Plus, you don't have to go through the hassle of constantly finding and training new people. This ultimately increases job performance and drives company growth.

2. Improves your company culture

The Society of Human Resource Management found that 90% of employees who rate their work culture as poor have considered quitting their jobs⁶. That's a lot! But a positive work culture promotes job security.

When private and government employees feel secure in their jobs, they are more likely to have a positive perception of the company and its work environment. This sense of security fosters a feeling of stability and trust, which contributes to a healthier and more supportive company culture.

3. Increases employee engagement and performance

According to Gallup, businesses with a higher employee engagement rating are 21% more profitable than their counterparts and highly engaged teams are 14% to 18% more productive⁷. Employee job security makes your team feel more confident in their roles and motivated to perform well. This ultimately leads to greater commitment and dedication to their work.

4. Promotes a solid reputation and brand image

When you provide job security to your employees, it shows that you value and care about them. This helps a company build a positive image in the market. People will see your company as reliable and trustworthy.

A good brand reputation also helps you attract talented workers and become a top choice for job seekers. People like to work for companies that treat employees well. This gives them some level of job security.

5. Promotes employee loyalty and commitment

Employee job security fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment among your team. When workers feel valued and secure in their positions, they are more likely to align themselves with the company's values, mission, and objectives. This cultivates a culture of loyalty and dedication, leading to higher employee satisfaction and engagement.

5 ways job security benefits employees

1. Promotes employee wellbeing

As an employee, job security provides you with a sense of stability and peace of mind. When employees are happy and engaged in their jobs, they don't have to worry about constantly searching for new employment opportunities. And they can plan for the future, make financial commitments, and establish healthy routines. That means less stress and fewer mental health issues related to job insecurity and uncertainty, and an overall better quality of life.

2. Increases productivity and overall job satisfaction

When you feel secure in your job, you experience less stress and worry about your employment status. This allows you to focus more on doing an excellent job at work.

Also, job security gives you a sense of stability and confidence in your future with the company. When you feel valued and supported by your employer, you are more likely to go the extra mile, take ownership of your responsibilities, and put in your best effort. This positive attitude leads to higher job satisfaction and increased productivity.

3. Drives career development and growth

Job security encourages employees to invest in their careers and focus on long-term personal and career goals. They are more likely to seek out opportunities for growth, take on challenging projects, and develop new skills. This not only contributes to their professional development and enhances their career prospects, it is also of benefit to their employers.

4. Creates opportunities for long-term planning

Job security lets people confidently plan for the future. They can set long-term goals, make investments, and pursue additional education or training knowing that their job is secure. This long-term planning mindset fosters personal and professional growth.

Also, having a steady income stream enables them to meet their financial obligations, support their family, and pursue their desired lifestyle. It also provides a sense of confidence and increases financial security.

5. Fulfills the psychological contract between you and your employer

Job security is an important part of the psychological contract between an employee and an employer. When someone starts a job, they don’t expect their employer to lay them off without reason. They expect to be rewarded for their efforts and, in return,  the employer expects them to work hard and contribute to company goals.

When the employer fulfills their own part of the contract, the employee is more likely to work hard enough to achieve company goals. In turn, the employer benefits from an employee’s hard work and will likely keep them around longer.

5 signs of an unstable work environment

Do you ever feel like something is off at work? Perhaps you're experiencing uncertainty or unpredictability. These may be signs of an unstable work environment. To determine if this is the case, keep an eye out for these five indicators.

1. Lack of alignment

When employees have different ideas of the company's vision and goals, it’s difficult to work together and achieve the desired outcomes. Everyone will work on different tasks, go in different directions, or even work against each other without realizing it. This creates misunderstandings and negatively impacts team performance.

2. Negative work culture

When a company has a negative culture, it’s challenging for people to get along with each other. Gossip and backstabbing becomes the norm, and conflict and tension can result. Plus, it creates such an uncomfortable and stressful workplace that many employees look to change jobs. Being unable to trust their coworkers or feeling like they’re always walking on eggshells are other signs of an unhealthy culture.

3. Lack of growth opportunities

Employees often feel stuck, frustrated, and dissatisfied when they don’t have opportunities to develop new skills or take on challenging tasks that help them grow professionally. If a worker doesn’t see any opportunities for advancement or growth in their current position, they can see it as a sign of instability. It's important to give employees room to grow and develop on their career path.

4. Lack of resources

If employees don't have the tools or resources they need to do their job, it can create a sense of instability and frustration. They may feel like they're unable to do their best work or that they're constantly falling behind.

5. Unpredictable work hours

If their schedule is constantly changing or they're expected to work long hours with little notice, it can create a sense of instability and make it difficult for an employee to plan their life outside of work. Plus, it leads to increased stress and fatigue. When they’re unsure about their work schedules, it’s harder to establish routines or maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Other signs of a hostile work environment include company financial concerns, lack of fulfillment, no recognition or reward system, consistent negative feedback, and poor communication.

If an employee finds themselves in such an unstable work environment, deciding whether to stay or leave can be a tough call. However, a stable and supportive work environment can have a significant impact on their happiness and success at work.

Below are some tips to help employees determine when it's time to leave or stay in a hostile work environment.

How to decide when to leave vs when to stay in an unstable work environment

1. Identify the cause of the instability

Before making any decisions, identify what's causing the instability. Is it a toxic boss? A negative work culture? A lack of resources or something else? Once you know the cause, you can better assess whether it's something to fix or if it's time to move on.

2. Evaluate the impact on your mental health

An unstable work environment takes a toll on your mental health. If you're feeling constantly stressed, anxious, or unhappy, you shouldn’t ignore these signs. Consider whether the job is worth sacrificing your mental health and wellbeing.

3. Look at the opportunities for growth and development

If there are opportunities for growth and development in the job, it might be worth sticking it out for a little longer. However, if you're not learning anything new and you feel stuck in your position, it might be time to move on.

4. Consider your financial situation

It's important to consider your financial situation before leaving a job. Do you have enough savings to support yourself if you don't have a job for a few months? Can you afford to take a lower paying job? Consider your financial situation before making any decisions.

5. Listen to your gut

Ultimately, the decision to stay or leave comes down to what feels right for you. If you feel like it's time to move on, trust your instincts. However, if you feel like things can improve and you're not ready to leave, that's okay too.

Overall, prioritize your mental health and wellbeing. If you're in an unstable work environment that's negatively impacting your life, it might be time to make a change. But if you choose to stay, we’ve outlined some tips to help you handle an unstable workplace.

How to handle an unstable workplace

1. Communicate openly

If there are issues that need to be addressed, try to communicate them openly and honestly with your team. Being transparent improves employee engagement. Plus, it helps to resolve conflicts, keep everyone aligned and create a stable work environment.

Also, try to stay calm and focused. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of an unstable workplace. However, you should take a few deep breaths and try to maintain a positive attitude.

2. Seek support

It's important to have a support system in place, whether that's a close friend or family member, a therapist, or a mentor. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust helps you gain perspective and feel more empowered to handle the situation.

Coaching is also a helpful tool for navigating an unstable work environment.

Here are different ways coaching can help:

• Provide a safe space for you to talk about your work and how you feel about it
• Understand what's happening and find ways to solve problems
• Discover your strengths and values, which gives you a clear sense of direction
• Make choices that match your values and goals
• Develop a positive mindset, overcome self-doubt, set goals, create a plan for success, and keep you accountable all the way
• Boosts your confidence level and resilience, which are important soft skills for an unpredictable work environment.

Unfortunately, many people cannot afford a personal career coach. We at F4S believe everyone should have access to personalized coaching. That's why we offer 11+ coaching programs. Our Vital Wellbeing coaching program is nine-weeks and is designed to teach you how to boost your emotional resilience and navigate through an unstable work environment. We're proud to say that 90% of individuals who use F4S report a significant improvement in their overall wellbeing.

To get started take our free assessment. Based on more than 20 years of research, you can rest assured that you’ll have a deeper understanding of how you like to work - it’s 90% accurate! You’ll have instant results that show your highest workplace motivations, as well as blind spots that might need some sharpening.

Then you can set a goal and AI Coach Marlee will reveal the best coaching programs to support your wildest dreams in coming true. You’ll also receive personal insights that show you where you thrive and areas of development.