An engineer would say that workplace uncertainty is directly proportional to the state of the economy. The rest of you would say that when the economy gets worse so does workplace uncertainty. Whether you are a technical professional, a human resources worker, or a salesperson, workplace uncertainty, especially in times of economic woes, can be a monster intent on devouring you.

Here are some outcomes of workplace uncertainty:

• Promotions are few and far between

• Layoffs are prevalent

• Older workers become replaced by younger engineers with lower salaries

• Personnel’s cubicles are continually relocated

• Company’s downsizing means a larger workload

• Less job security, less affordable health coverage, less pay

• More distrust between workers and management

• Workplace uncertainty doesn’t go away if employees ignore it

Uncertainty in our lives can cause stress, conflict with co-workers, anxiety, procrastination and wasted time or lack of productivity. Uncertainty in the workplace will crossover into the home environment.

1. The first thing for an engineer to do is remove the effects of workplace uncertainty on the home front as much as possible. If you get a pay cut talk it over with the family and minimize its effects by cutting down on some expenses that are not needed.
2. Don’t dwell on the rumors that you hear in the workplace. This is a silent killer that often lends the highest stress at small innuendos and during snippets of conversation. Don’t bury your head in the sand but don’t dwell on such things either.
3. Only be concerned about things that you have control over. You have no control over company mergers, restructuring, or the state of the US economy.
4. Identify the things you do have control over. You do have control over your job, your home life, and how people view you in the workplace. Consider contingency plans.
5. Focus on what is most important in your life, especially at home. This is where your main support group is.
6. Exercise, eat right, and stay away from bad habits such as alcohol and drugs.
7. Don’t dwell on what may happen to you. Instead, set goals and evaluate workplace situations based on your own time frame.
8. Seek out co-workers with positive attitudes and avoid doomsday naysayers.

Tags: improve time management, job security, time management, workplace uncertainty

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