Zen and the Art of Fostering Job Stability in an Uncertain World

“The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good.” (James Allen)

The world of work has never felt less stable. Between high unemployment rates, a quicksand political environment, the gig economy and the introduction of new disruptive technologies (and tariffs!) almost daily, it’s no surprise that recent studies are showing people in 9-to-5 jobs no longer feel stable. A study by MyPerfectResume in 2024 found that four out of every five workers were afraid they may lose their jobs in 2025 due to technological advancements such as automation, artificial intelligence, and outsourcing. This was reinforced by the pandemic, when vast numbers of people were retrenched or otherwise lost their jobs.

This uncertainty is affecting the mental health of modern workers. And it’s lowering productivity and impacting businesses, creating a vicious cycle of instability. According to the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, workers who feel insecure about their jobs report higher levels of burnout, less job satisfaction, and lower engagement levels. When workers are constantly worried about being let go, it typically affects their focus, creativity, and long-term commitment to their employer.

But does it have to be this way? Here are our tips for making your employees comfortable, more stable and ultimately, happier.

Honesty is the best policy

A little communication has been shown to go a long way to keep a workforce happy. Regular updates about company performance, future prospects, and any potential restructuring plans can help employees feel more in control and less fearful of unexpected layoffs. The Harvard Business Review (2020) found that organisations that maintain open lines of communication during times of uncertainty are able to reduce employee anxiety and build trust.

Teach a man to fish

Even if things are uncertain for your company, you should do your best to help upskill your employees and train them in new and exciting technologies. Focusing on continuous learning sends a strong signal that your company understands the modern environment and is planning for it. This doesn’t just lessen stress it also helps employees to feel that even if they are retrenched, they will still be well positioned to find new work.

Your business will benefit too: the World Economic Forum suggests that employers who provide opportunities for skill development, including training in new technologies and leadership, are more likely to retain talent and maintain higher levels of employee morale. What’s more, training staff can lead to tax incentives. Speak to your accountant (that’s us) if you aren’t already taking advantage of these breaks.

B is for balance

It may sound counter-intuitive, but hybrid work models are repeatedly being shown to be an effective way to boost employee morale and lower the stress related to job loss. A 2022 report by Gallup found that employees who have more flexibility in how, when and where they work are more satisfied with their jobs and feel more secure in their roles. A quantum workplace study found that 89% of employees were looking for hybrid or remote work. Having control over their lives in this area gives employees the confidence and mental stability they need to handle other stresses so they can deliver better at work.

Show the way

Job insecurity often stems from the fear that an employee’s current job offers no opportunities for advancement. A study by The Conference Board in 2018 showed that employees who are offered mentorship, leadership training, and a clear pathway to promotion are more likely to stay committed and engaged. Knowing that they are being eyed for future roles gives them the assurance that they won’t be first on the chopping block when the tough times arrive.

If any of these initiatives are beyond your current budgets, speak to us about helping you restructure your finances. After all, retaining good employees is much cheaper than trying to find new ones.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact us for specific and detailed advice.