How to Make an Insecure Employee Feel Better

by Monica Patrick, Demand Media
Career mishaps like losing important clients can lead to job insecurity.

Career mishaps like losing important clients can lead to job insecurity.

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Career setbacks such as missing promotions and company reorganization can lead some employees to feel insecure about their jobs. While it's understandable to have some misgivings, a few employees may find just the possibility of job loss troubling. According to a 2009 article published by Syracuse University, job insecurity has risen along with economic turmoil. Job insecurity can lead to poor work habits, distractedness and widespread low morale. If you have an insecure employee on your hands, go the extra mile in calming nerves for the benefit of the company.

Step 1

Meet with the employee and allow him to talk openly about his concerns and fears. Meet individually if dealing with several people to avoid counter-productivity. Ask the employee to use discretion and avoid discussing the private meeting with others.

Step 2

Answer the employee's questions candidly and talk about her concerns. If her concerns are unfounded, put those fears to rest by explaining what the reality is. If the source of the insecurity is founded in some truth, explain what is true and what is merely her personal fears.

Step 3

Shift the employee's focus to achieving daily tasks such as invoicing or double-checking figures in an important project. Giving an insecure employee a mundane tasks to perform will create an atmosphere of safety and normalcy for him.

Step 4

Talk openly and positively about any upcoming changes. Prepare your team well in advance of the transition so the changes may occur smoothly, without causing insecurity.

Step 5

Soften the blow of a negative performance review by ending the meeting with a focus on the positives aspects. Insecure employees will need something positive to keep them motivated to work harder and meet expected levels.


  • Watch your speech around employees. Avoid making negative statements such as, "Hope this paycheck doesn't bounce" or "At least, the doors are still open." Saying such statements, even if intended to be humorous, can make employees feel insecure.
  • Keep a fact-based attitude toward the unknown aspects of business. If you don't know whether layoffs are pending, don't promise they aren't. Seek the facts first.


  • Some people have emotional issues or have experienced personal traumas that give them a negative, insecure attitude. Chronic insecurity may be a sign of a deeper issue.

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