An engineer would say that uncertainty in the workplace is directly proportional to the state of the economy. The rest of you would say that when the economy gets worse, so does the uncertainty in the workplace. Whether you’re a technical professional, human resources worker, or salesperson, uncertainty in the workplace, especially in times of economic trouble, can be a monstrous attempt to eat you up.
Here are some results of uncertainty in the workplace:
- Promotions are few and far between.
- Layoffs are frequent
- Older workers are replaced by younger engineers with lower wages.
- Staff cubicles are continually relocated
- Downsizing company staff means increased workload
- Less job security, less affordable health coverage, lower pay
- More mistrust between workers and management
- Uncertainty in the workplace doesn’t go away if employees ignore it
Uncertainty in our lives can cause stress, conflict with coworkers, anxiety, procrastination, and lost time or lack of productivity. Uncertainty in the workplace will carry over into the home environment.
- The first thing an engineer should do is eliminate the effects of workplace uncertainty on the home front as much as possible. If you do get a pay cut, discuss it with your family and minimize its effects by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
- Don’t dwell on the rumors you hear in the workplace. This is a silent killer that often creates the most stress in small innuendos and during bits of conversation. Don’t bury your head in the sand, but don’t dwell on those things either.
- Only worry about things you have control over. It has no control over company mergers, restructuring, or the state of the US economy.
- Identify the things you do have control over. You have control over your work, your home life, and how people see you in the workplace. Consider contingency plans.
- Focus on what is most important in your life, especially at home. This is where your main support group is.
- Exercise, eat right and stay away from bad habits like alcohol and drugs.
- Don’t dwell on what can happen to you. Instead, set goals and assess workplace situations based on your own time frame.
- Look for co-workers with positive attitudes and avoid doomsday naysayers.
