Uncertainty in the workplace can be incredibly stressful for employees, particularly during times of economic turmoil and layoffs. The smallest hints or unusual behaviors can cause anxiety and fear about job security. Not knowing what the future holds can have a negative impact on employees' well-being and productivity.
Our brains are wired to crave certainty, and the lack of clear information can lead to confusion and rumination. Our minds tend to fill in the gaps with negative narratives, suspicion, and fear in order to stay on guard and protect ourselves. This constant need for certainty can lead to overworking and overexertion, ultimately resulting in burnout.
However, trying to find certainty through overworking or excessive efforts will only cause more pain. We cannot think our way out of uncertainty. Instead, we need to learn how to coexist with it.
One way to do this is by trusting ourselves and our abilities. It's important to remind ourselves of times when we have successfully dealt with uncertainty and remained calm. We can build trust in ourselves by acknowledging that ruminating over the unknown doesn't change the outcome.
Self-trust also involves not overthinking interactions with our bosses and being able to differentiate between facts and fear. While uncertainty is a constant in the workplace, we can regain a sense of control by connecting with others, seeking mentors, and learning new skills.
Of course, there are situations where genuine concerns arise, such as when a toxic work environment becomes detrimental to our well-being. In these cases, we can trust ourselves to take action or seek support.
Imagine the mental space we could reclaim if we let go of rumination, self-doubt, and fear associated with uncertainty.