Job insecurity econimic recession and financial crisis

Job-insecurity can be defined as the ‘phobia’ (or fear) of losing one’s job.
LOVE YOUR JOB..
BUT DONT LOVE YOUR COMPANY,
BECAUSE YOU DONT KNOW..
WHEN YOUR COMPANY STOPS LOVING YOU..

NARAYANAMURTHY
INFOSIS CHAIRMAN
One should not confuse between joblessness and job-insecurity related stresses. The former thrives in the absence of job, while the later shapes out, in the presence of one.
Job-insecurity can be defined as the ‘phobia’ (or fear) of losing one’s job.
One should not confuse between joblessness and job-insecurity related stresses. The former thrives in the absence of job, while the later shapes out, in the presence of one.
with modernization of the workplaces, the fear of losing out to fresh employees is fattening. Young persons are more adaptive to the present-day technology like computers. While their senior colleagues feel uncomfortable to cope with the recent discoveries of mankind, thereby, adding to their fear-psychosis.
No doubt job insecurity has been one of the major burning issues of the twenty-first century.
the number of workers fearful of losing their jobs had more than doubled over the past decade.

Causes for job insecurity

1. corporate restructuring: a fundamental change in direction and strategy for an organization that affects the way in which the organization is structured. Corporate restructuring may involve increasing or decreasing the layers of personnel between the top and the bottom of an organization, or reassigning roles and responsibilities

ORGANIZATION DOWNSIZING: organizational restructuring involving outsourcing activities, replacing permanent staff with contract employees, and reducing the number of levels within the organizational hierarchy, with the intention of making the organization more flexible, efficient, and responsive to its environment
Some types of “non-standard” employment contracts, including temporary work and contingent work, add complexity to the analysis of job insecurity because workers in these jobs have explicit understandings that their jobs are unlikely to last long, but also lump these workers with other workers who are inter-organizationally mobile and secure in their careers

mergers and Acquisitions.
Job insecurity causes far-reaching negative outcomes. The fear of job loss damages the health of employees and reduces the productivity of firms. Thus, job insecurity should result in increasing social costs. Job insecurity harms health even more than unemployment. No doubt job insecurity has been one of the major burning issues of the twenty-first century.

If you find yourself facing an uncertain workplace, here are 10 ways you can increase your value to your current employer as well as enhance your visibility with superiors and coworkers:

1 Look for ways to demonstrate the value you bring to the organization. More than ever before, workers are expected to show the need they fulfill within their organizations. Without becoming a braggart, you should be assertive in documenting the accomplishments you have made and communicate these on a regular basis to your boss. No matter who your customers, clients, or students may be, showing that you have made a positive difference on the bottom line increases your status as an indispensable employee. Record your work accomplishments and successes in a personal achievement journal and share your progress with your supervisor through update meetings, e-mails, or written notes, and especially discuss these at performance appraisal time. Strive to exceed the expectations your employer has for you and your job function.

2 Volunteer for leadership opportunities. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, business consultants and management experts admonished managers to emphasize leadership skills over more-traditional management models in the ways they supervised and motivated workers. One of the many positive benefits of this trend is that most employers today recognize that truly anyone can be a leader within the organization. Even if you don't hold a management niche on the organizational chart, you can find many opportunities to apply your knowledge and expertise to problems or challenges. Be sure to volunteer to chair task forces or work groups, offer suggestions for improved customer service, and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the organization's business needs.

3 Develop and enhance your reputation for reliability. Many employers cite finding reliable, dedicated workers as their biggest human resources challenge. The work ethic of "a day's work for a day's pay" still holds true for most organizations' expectation of workers. Show your dependability in completing assignments on time and within budget, focusing on customer needs and satisfaction. In addition, strive to show your commitment to ethical behavior on the job. Refrain from participating in coffee room gossip or the rumor mill; be honest and fair in all of your dealings; and never misuse your employer's resources (whether taking office supplies or using computer equipment). Showing your willingness to work hard, taking initiative, and supporting company goals all help to position you as a valuable employee.

4 Embrace the value of your coworkers. "Works and plays well with others" is a teacher comment many individuals may remember from their childhood report cards. Teamwork, employee involvement, and working together are hallmarks of today's successful organizations. Consider volunteering for opportunities to work with others or even to lead work groups. Recognize and use the differences among your coworkers that bring a diversity of ideas and talents to solving problems. Enhance your interpersonal skills and seek training or learning situations where you can develop your leadership and facilitator skills. Stay positive with those you work with and help others to develop commitment to work and achieving goals. Recognize the accomplishments of others.

5 Seek new skills and learning opportunities. Continuing your education and acquiring marketable job skills are crucial if you want to manage your career successfully. Your employer may sponsor onsite training opportunities or may be willing to send you to seminars and conferences. Many employers will provide educational assistance for additional college courses. Observe where your organization's business needs are taking it. What skills or knowledge will be valuable as it heads in new directions or responds to new challenges? Continuous improvement of your job skills enhances your appeal not only to your current employer, but to other organizations.

6 Build and maintain your network, and seek a mentor. A professional network, both within and outside of your organization, helps you keep current with the issues and people who make a difference in your business as well as positioning you as a true stakeholder in the eyes of others. Networks help keep you "in the know," which can often give you the edge in finding out about upcoming changes or opportunities you can take advantage of. In addition, having a mentor (someone in your profession whom you respect) can be invaluable in learning from another's experiences and having the chance to bounce ideas around with someone you trust.

7 Be adaptable and embrace change. Someone once commented that the only person who really looks forward to a change is a wet baby. Anyone who works in today's economy, though, knows that change is the watchword. Those who are flexible and willing to take on new challenges are the workers who increase their value and stature within the organization. While it may not be easy to assess continually the impact that "big-picture" changes will have on you and your specific job function, try to position yourself with your boss as one who is willing to examine opportunities and situations that affect your organization and the business you do.

8 Keep personal problems out of the workplace. What happens to people outside of work hours certainly has an impact on who they are and what they do. Today's lifestyle issues of dual-career couples, child and elder care, cost-of-living challenges, and personal health all add pressures to individuals' out look on life and how work complements their daily responsibilities. While personal issues are real and important to well-being, employees can't let them affect their work performance. Employers can be understanding to a degree, but issues that interfere with daily productivity can only label someone as a problem employee. Workers should seek ways to balance all aspects of their lives, and take advantage of employee assistance programs when offered.

9 Make your boss look good. No matter what level you hold within your organization, your job is to help your boss accomplish his or her performance objectives. Strive for open communication with your supervisor to learn how you can help achieve those goals. Keep your boss in the loop on what you are doing and aware of any land mines that may lie in wait. Develop your ability to anticipate your boss' needs, based on experience. Volunteer for projects and assignments, and look for opportunities that let you exceed expectations.

10 Stay positive. No one likes a Gloomy Gus. Positive employees are valued for the tone they help set within the organization. Avoid whining and complaining, and always offer potential solutions when presenting a problem to coworkers or managers. Help others to focus on the good things your organization is doing and how you can work together toward solutions to many challenges.