Out of the world’s one billion full-time workers, only 15% of people are engaged at work. That means that 85% of people are unhappy in their jobs (Gallop)
With a huge wave of job losses approaching companies around the world, we can accept change or resist it.
A study from the American Psychological Association (APA) found that organisational changes such as restructuring or new leadership can lead to employees who are overly stressed, have less trust in their employers, and have a greater desire to find new jobs (Forbes). There are many ways to cope, are you ready for change?
The guardian here in the UK reports that in it’s most recent surveys companies in all big sectors of the economy are more likely to cut jobs than to hire people over the next three months, from July to September, the weakest forecast since records began in 1992. The survey comes as companies prepare to start weaning themselves off the UK government’s furlough scheme, which covers the wage bill of almost 9 million workers.
Does the prospect of such change fill you with fear or excitement? Are you escaping or pivoting?
Psychologists share that there are generally two types of coping: escape coping and active coping. Escape coping is a form of coping that involves changing our behaviour to try to avoid thinking or feeling things that are uncomfortable. Active coping is a form of coping that allows us to tackle a problem head-on. They share that this approach is healthier because you are addressing the stress, rather than avoiding it.
Speaking to company leaders, HR Directors and employees over the last three months has shown me that how we cope with this next stage of the pandemic impact will depend on several things.
The first is our Covid story. If you have been furloughed vs. working flat out then your outlook may vary wildly from each other and from what you thought was good about life ahead of the end of March. (Looking at the Gallop stat it wasn’t necessarily much when it comes to work!).
The second is your level of positivity, faith and hope. I see many avoid tasks, put projects on hold and let fear and worry cloud their daily lives. Self doubt creeps in and gloom mixed with transactional routine take over. Ouch (sorry!)
The third is who we are. Those who know and are consciously living as themselves are thriving in this environment. I see them making decisions, caring for others and making plans. The strength that is coming from them is contagious. Their level of self awareness is freeing them from over thinking and instead their perspectives are wider, rounder and more confident.
If only 15% of people loved their working world ahead of Coronavirus, then change should be welcomed! The last time I faced major structural change I resigned and created Courageous Success. It’s not been the easiest choice, but it was mine. So, are you escaping or pivoting?
Explore for yourself your;
- Covid story. What has your experience been? What have you learnt? What have you hidden from? What will you pivot?
- Positivity, faith and hope. Score it out of 10. How consistent is it? Are you dreaming? What goals will you set? What will you pivot to amplify your hope for the future?
- Who are you? Use your iAM. What will you be? Score each iAM value out of 10. How balanced are you? What will you do to pivot and be more of you to enrich your life and the lives of others?