Oh no. Management is having lots of closed-door meetings lately. And they are acting really weird around everyone. Does that mean layoffs are coming? Should you panic?
Here’s Five Fast Facts About Dealing With Layoff Anxiety:
- 🫣 One of Many - If you’re worried, you’re not alone. Recent data shows that 42% of all US employees are worried about losing their jobs if a recession hits. Close to half of them (47%) admit to changing their behavior at work to avoid being laid off.
- 😬 Worst Case - Use your worry to your advantage: ask yourself what you would do if you were laid off. There is data that shows mentally rehearsing a response to such a scenario helps reel in your anxiety and prevent it from hurting you. It’s called defensive pessimism.
- 🫢 Slow Down - Being proactive and carpet bombing employers with your resume in case you get laid off isn’t exactly a helpful strategy. There’s a good chance you’ll wind up wasting your time and burning yourself out, and that can only make things worse.
- 🥵 Worry Worry - Keep in mind that your constant concern isn’t helping your overall wellness. Worrying about layoffs can have negative effects. It can hurt your concentration and motivation and lead to mental health issues.
- 😳 Paranoia Big Destroyer - You could be your own enemy. If you’re becoming paranoid, anything your boss or management does could be a sign and that only hurts you and your performance. Question that behavior and those assumptions. Sometimes a canceled meeting is just a canceled meeting and not a sign you’re done.
🔥Bottom line: The prospect of losing your job is scary and living in constant fear doesn’t benefit you in any way. If you can keep your cool and stay rational, things might not be so bad.
Have you ever been laid off?
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