20 Signs that Your Employees are Terrified
As news of the volatile stock markets continues for a third straight day – right on the heels of the S&P U.S. credit downgrade – you can rest assured that your staff are feeling anxious. They, too, were caught off-guard by the economic downturn 3 years ago, and many are still reeling from the residual effects of layoffs, furloughs, and an overall increase in workload with little to no additional compensation.
This time, however, the warning signs of a possible deep recession are clear. Many employees are frightened of losing their jobs, benefits and amenities which they have grown to rely on, and their behavior is changing as a result. A fearful workforce may appear to be doing fine, but catching the subtle signs of employee fear is crucial to improving workplace morale and productivity.
At your company, have you noticed:
1. People who are often out sick suddenly fit as a fiddle?
2. An unusual number of employees in the office when you arrive, and staying after you leave?
3. Way more staff members taking lunch breaks at their desks?
4. A sharp increase in staff requests to meet with HR or union reps?
5. A significant decrease in staff coffee runs, and an increase in cigarette breaks?
6. Far fewer personal calls wafting through the office?
7. A spontaneous improvement in performance among your sub-par team members?
8. Unexpectedly Herculean efforts at “managing up” from your star players?
9. Far less joking around and friendly banter with staff in the elevator or cafeteria?
10. A hushing of tones as you enter the office?
11. A decrease in staff Internet usage?
12. Revitalized enthusiasm for long-dormant pet projects?
13. A sprucing up of employee workspaces, attire & personal appearance?
14. Staff working on weekends & holidays?
15. Employees cancelling vacations?
16. A sudden wealth of volunteers for unglamorous committees or tasks forces?
17. Longtime child care, transportation or other HR issues abruptly resolved?
18. A drop-off in complaints about the quality of car service, dry cleaning or other staff amenities?
19. Summer Fridays are suddenly not so casual anymore with regards to dress and hours?
20. It seems that everyone now has photos of their families prominently on display?
Yes, these could simply be signs of a motivated, hard-working staff. However, in this economic environment, you never know- they could be sending you some pretty clear signals that they’re terrified of losing their jobs.
What are some other signs that your staff is on-edge? As a manager, what can you do to help?