You’re not alone. While reports that the recession is over, or maybe plateauing, are appearing in the media, we’re still concerned about our prospects, and the worry is influencing our on-the-job morale. The Ipsos Reid Build a Better Workplace study surveyed 1,128 employees in Canada at the end of last month, and found that slightly more than one-fifth of us – 22 percent – is worried about losing their jobs this year. In companies where layoffs have already happened, that figure jumps to 44 percent.
Layoffs haven’t been the only reaction to the Great Recession of 2009. Survey respondents reported that other measures have been taken by companies anxious to stay afloat:
- Hiring freeze: 27%
- Salary freeze: 26%
- Budget cuts for travel: 26%
- Benefits cuts: 10%
- Salary reductions: 8%
- Mandatory vacations: 8%
- 4-day workweeks: 8%
These measures have added up to create a pretty glum workforce. The survey notes:
Respondents were asked about the reasons why their motivation is decreasing. Several employees explained: “The atmosphere of looming cutbacks combined with an uncommunicative senior management does little to inspire team spirit amongst the ranks,” says one survey respondent. Another stated: “After having 50% of staff laid-off there remains a combination of survivor’s guilt and the nagging question ‘Am I next?’”
So, this is the bad news. I’m now looking for good news: Not just how to keep morale up when those around you are losing theirs, but is it possible to succeed, if not thrive, career-wise, during a recession? My next ask-an-expert will focus on those questions. And I’d be happy to hear suggestions from the www.
One Response to “ Worried about losing your job? ”
My husband quit his job on April 23 after seventeen years, the last four being really stressfull. After jointly agreeing that we live a certain way so we have financial stability to make choices in life he quit with my blessing and likely he will live longer for it. Yesterday he got a job. He actually had five job offers but chose the one that made his heart beat. You see, he did not choose the one with the most money but the best people. So…if you are stuck in a crappy job do not be afraid to look. Although we are in a recession companies are always looking for good people. The company that hired him is in a Job Freeze situation and they made room for him. I would not necessarily recommend quitting before having a new job but in his case we could go up to 2 years without a job due to the way way live every day life. We are a family of six with two incomes and always live below our means. Don’t get stuck in a bad job situation. Do something about it.
By Tammy on Jun 18, 2009