Employees' Fears and Their Motivation During Uncertain Times

in employee •  2 years ago 

Fear is a powerful motivator, but it can also be debilitating. According to Jordan et al., employees are motivated to perform better when they perceive a threat to their lives. Fear can be triggered by a variety of factors, including health risks, secondary appraisals, and job crafting. Employees who experience fear during uncertain times may need more support to remain productive, despite the risk.


When a company faces a difficult crisis, employees experience a range of emotions, including worries about job security, compensation, and whether they will be able to pay their bills. The best way to deal with these feelings is to listen to employees and address their concerns. People may also have difficulty concentrating, become forgetful, or display increased anger. Managers should be sensitive to employee concerns and express concern, which can help increase productivity and morale.

The effects of uncertainty on an organization are widespread and can be detrimental to the bottom line. While uncertainty is a natural part of the human experience, it can also cause high levels of stress and anxiety. Hence, it is important for employers to prepare for this unforeseen event by establishing organizational norms.

Uncertainty is part of life and every organization experiences it from time to time. To effectively deal with this situation, you must communicate with employees on a regular basis. During such times, employees expect leaders to be open and honest about the situation. Moreover, they want leaders to explain the direction of the organization and what employees can expect from their work.

One of the most prominent sources of employee anxiety is job insecurity. During the recent economic recession, job insecurity hit record highs and left even employed people feeling insecure. Not only does job insecurity cause financial insecurity, it also causes psychological and social insecurity. In addition, job insecurity can also affect housing and food security.

Fortunately, employees can often see beyond the challenges of the present and the economic crisis to their future goals. By bringing these issues to their team, they can solve them and gain motivation. This will help employees execute plans and build trust. As a result, employees will begin to see their jobs as stepping stones toward their goals in life.

New employees often think twice before asking questions because they are afraid they will be judged. However, everyone has a lot of questions when they first start a new job, so encouraging new employees to ask questions is an important strategy to help them overcome their fears. The best way to encourage new employees to ask questions is to emphasize the fact that there are no silly questions, and that they should be encouraged to do so.


A study conducted by Korn Ferry indicates that employees' fears about the economy and future affect their motivation. Extended market volatility can cause employees to fear uncertainty, and it is important for leaders to find a balance between financial stability and employee contribution.

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