TechHR
ex
L&D
UNPLUGGED
Sphere
About Us • Contact Us
People Matters ANZ
People Matters Logo
Login / Signup
People Matters Logo
Login / Signup
  • Current
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Magazine
  • Research
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Podcast

© Copyright People Matters Media Pte. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

  • HotTopic
    HR Folk Talk FutureProofHR
  • Strategy
    Leadership Csuite StrategicHR EmployeeRelations BigInterview
  • Recruitment
    Employer Branding Appointments Permanent Hiring Recruitment
  • Performance
    Skilling PerformanceMgmt Compensation Benefits L&D Employee Engagement
  • Culture
    Culture Life@Work Diversity Watercooler SheMatters
  • Tech
    Technology HR Technology Funding & Investment Startups Metaverse
  • About Us
  • Advertise with us
  • Become a sponsor
  • Contact Us
  • Feedback
  • Write For Us

Follow us:

Privacy Policy • Terms of Use

© Copyright People Matters Media Pte. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

People Matters Logo
  • Current
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Magazine
  • Research
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Podcast
Login / Signup

Categories:

  • HotTopic
    HR Folk Talk FutureProofHR
  • Strategy
    Leadership Csuite StrategicHR EmployeeRelations BigInterview
  • Recruitment
    Employer Branding Appointments Permanent Hiring Recruitment
  • Performance
    Skilling PerformanceMgmt Compensation Benefits L&D Employee Engagement
  • Culture
    Culture Life@Work Diversity Watercooler SheMatters
  • Tech
    Technology HR Technology Funding & Investment Startups Metaverse
Afraid of being fired? Use that fear to your advantage

Story • 4th Apr 2024 • 2 Min Read

Afraid of being fired? Use that fear to your advantage

Life @ Work

Author: Gabriela Paz Y Miño Gabriela Paz Y Miño
180K Reads
It can be hard to live down the trauma of having been fired. But fear not – there are ways to overcome this anxiety.

The "ghost" of being fired always lingers, even when you start working for another company. Despite being the best and most dedicated employee, sometimes it's not enough as your job security depends on various factors such as the company's financial status, economic context, and subjective elements. 

Since the COVID pandemic, this feeling of a "ghost" out to haunt us has only intensified. Half of US companies, for example, have reduced or plan to reduce their workforce in the coming months. 

Now, experts warn that the Great Resignation is leading to the Great Apprehension. The fear of being laid off affects the emotional and physical well-being of employees and can also hinder their performance and mental health.

For instance, 80% of workers fear losing their jobs during a potential recession. This fear can be discouraging, affecting their concentration, motivation, and overall well-being, leading to anxiety or depression.

This also creates a vicious cycle: reduced productivity, withdrawal, or lower efforts, which could put them in the firing line if further cutbacks occur.

Does this sound familiar? It's crucial to learn to recognise and manage this anxiety to prevent it from affecting your performance in a context where layoffs are a real threat, but not necessarily an immediate one.

Identifying and proactively managing your feelings is essential. Don't let layoff anxiety consume you. Here are some tips on how to cope:

1) Distinguish reality from unfounded ideas

When we are anxious, our brains tend to amplify and even create problems. Pay attention to your thoughts and analyse whether you are jumping to conclusions.

2) Assess the facts that indicate whether you're at risk of a layoff

Have you received any warnings? Has the company made staff cuts? Are you experiencing a reduced workload or being excluded from meetings? Are sales low? These questions may help set the tone at your organisation. But unless the answers are a "yes", it's always best to remain calm but be prepared for any eventualities.

3) Be proactive

Observe and get feedback on whether your projects are important and whether your time and talent are being utilized effectively. Communicate with your boss and express any concerns. A course correction may prevent dismissal.

 

Use your pessimism constructively. Consider the possibility of being fired and plan accordingly with a backup plan.

 

Fear is not always negative, but it must not control you. If you feel that you are at risk of being laid off, use that anxiety to your advantage and work harder to prove your worth.

Read More

Did you find this article helpful?


You Might Also Like

Farewell hybrid work? Not for these major banks

STORY • 28th Feb 2025 • 3 Min Read

Farewell hybrid work? Not for these major banks

Employee EngagementLife @ Work#HybridWorkplace#Flexibility
Companies embracing the 5-day office mandate

STORY • 2nd Oct 2024 • 6 Min Read

Companies embracing the 5-day office mandate

Employee EngagementLife @ WorkLeadership SolutionsEconomy & Policy#BusinessTransformation#HRCommunity
How to address retirement shortfalls?

STORY • 1st Oct 2024 • 6 Min Read

How to address retirement shortfalls?

Compensation & BenefitsLife @ WorkBenefits & RewardsCorporate Wellness Programs#HRCommunity#Wellbeing
NEXT STORY: Building a unified culture in a hybrid work environment in Australia

Trending Stories

  • design-thinking-hr

    8 skills that are critical for people analytics and why

  • design-thinking-hr

    Which HR tools are winning in New Zealand this year?

  • design-thinking-hr

    HR technology adoption: Trends, growth, and impact

  • design-thinking-hr

    How HR tech is reshaping work in Australia

People Matters Logo

Follow us:

Join our mailing list:

By clicking “Subscribe” button above, you are accepting our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Company:

  • About Us
  • Advertise with us
  • Become a sponsor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Contact:

  • Contact Us
  • Feedback
  • Write For Us

© Copyright People Matters Media Pte. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Get the latest Articles, Insight, News & Trends from the world of Talent & Work. Subscribe now!
People Matters Logo

Welcome Back!

or

Enter your registered email address to login

Not a user yet? Lets get you signed up!

A 5 digit OTP has been sent to your email address.

This is so we know it's you. Haven't received it yet? Resend the email or then change your email ID.

People Matters Logo

Welcome! Let's get you signed up...

Starting with the absolulte basics.

Already a user? Go ahead and login!

A 5 digit OTP has been sent to your email address.

This is so we know it's you. Haven't received it yet? Resend the email or then change your email ID.

Let's get to know you better

We'll never share your details with anyone, pinky swear.

And lastly...

Your official designation and company name.