Are You Afraid Of Getting Fired?
Posted: Thursday, April 02, 2009
by Michael A. Verdicchio
CIG
It seems like every day on the news you hear about the rising of the unemployment rate. Although this is a fact, this information does nothing to encourage confidence. Instead, it just breeds more fear.
According to the numbers I looked at, the highest figures since 1948 were in 1982 and 1983. For ten straight months, from September of 1982 to June of 1983, unemployment stayed above 10%. It got as high as 10.8%. But, we survived.
According to a 2003 study on the physical and mental health effects of surviving layoffs, published by the Institute of Behavioral Science, people who remain employed are "prone to greater role ambiguity and job demands that can, in turn, contribute to greater alcohol consumption and depression." The study found that layoff survivors often experience worsening physical health: They eat differently, smoke more, suffer from neck and back pain and increase their use of sick days. Workplace injuries also rise.
Meanwhile, more current studies reveal basically the same things. The threat of layoffs and working long stressful hours, may be taking more than just a mental toll on your body. According to two studies published recently in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, they could be putting your health and safety at risk.
So how can people go to work and be productive without fear in these economic times? Working a job with fear will decrease one's productivity at a time when productivity is vital, not to mention the fact that it takes a toll on your mental and physical health.
I read recently what Judith Hoppin, president of the National Career Development Association wrote. She said, "One of the most important things for people to cultivate is a positive attitude, the realization that this is temporary. Because if you listen to all the bad news, it's a self-defeating prophecy." According to Hoppin, an employee's best courses of action are physical exercise, good nutrition and communication with management to figure out the company's priorities. She said, "What you're really looking at is: How do I survive? How do I help the organization thrive under the circumstances?"
She makes a good point when she says, "help the organization thrive." So many people, for such a long time, have forgotten why they were hired in the first place. People are hired so that the company can continue to grow and be successful. No one hires you because they feel sorry for you. You are there to make money for the company.
With that in mind, and what she said about being positive are two really great keys for those who have not been laid off. Having a positive attitude in this kind of environment? Are you kidding? No, I am absolutely not.
Those who have not lost their job need to do what they should have been doing all along, and now, in these times, perhaps even need to kick it up another notch. The days of "watching the clock" and doing just enough to "get by" are over. Seeing yourself as just another "worker bee" is simply not going to cut it in today's world.
What would happen if those employees who were still working for a company decided to not come to work with fear, but rather with a positive aggressive attitude? What would happen if they all really dedicated themselves to seeing their company be the best in the world? What would happen if they individually continued to develop their skill sets, learning new things? What would happen if they all looked for ways to save the company money?
Would that guarantee that they wouldn't get fired? No, but it certainly couldn't hurt. But, more importantly, isn't that the way employees should work at their jobs? If you were hiring someone for your company, isn't that the kind of person you would readily hire, and then, try everything to not have to lay them off?
More than that, why not think of it on an individual basis. Why not see yourself as more than just another employee? Why not do whatever it takes to be the very best employee; not out of fear of losing your job, but out of pride in yourself.
If you ever do get laid off, all that they can take from you is your income; that's it. They cannot take away who you are. Your knowledge, your skills and abilities, your work ethic and attitude all go with you out the door. That is what you will have to offer to another prospective employer; that's who you are.
Refuse to go to work with fear of losing your job. Instead, put the fear aside, and do your job to the best of your ability, and continue to increase your skill set. Your attitude and your performance at your job reveal your work ethic; they reveal who you are. Take pride in who you are and in what you do.
Carry a positive attitude with you and encourage your fellow workers. Regardless of whether you stay or get laid off, you are who you are, and no one can take that away from you. Who you are is what you have to offer. Make it the best!
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Michael A. Verdicchio offers a FREE special report, "9 Keys to Answered Prayer!" for signing up to his weekly news letter, "The Pep Letter," at http://www.confidenceandjoy.com He also offers a FREE "71 page eBook, entitled, "Keys To Enriching Your Life Now!" at http://www.EnrichingYourLifeNow.com Michael is a husband, father, minister, author, and broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous projects and productions including Mike's Pep Talks!
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