Why a sense of security is so important
A sense of security is a fundamental human need, as well as a key condition for uninterrupted and focused work. Employees' living and working in uncertainty – for example, due to organisational changes, unclear work objectives, undefined responsibilities, or fear of job loss – creates stress. This reduces motivation and performance and leads to employee frustration, low team efficiency, higher turnover and a weakened sense of belonging within the team and organisation as a whole.
How managers can build a sense of security among employees
- Transparent communication. Effective communication is the cornerstone of psychological security. Be open with subordinates, don't hide information from them and communicate honestly, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty.
- Clearly defined expectations and goals. When employees know exactly what is expected of them, they can work with greater calm and focus. Don't have your team operate in uncertainty about their tasks or whether their performance meets your expectations.
- Consistency in behaviour, priorities, and communication. The foundation of a sense of security lies in the manager themselves. If you change your opinions, introduce new ideas, structural changes, or shift priorities every other day, you can't expect your employees to perceive their workplace as stable.
- Providing concrete assurances. If your employees’ uncertainty stems from a specific issue, consider whether there are guarantees you can provide. For example, you can assure them that as long as the team’s performance doesn't fall below a certain threshold, no one will lose their bonus or face the threat of dismissal.
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