Fears over job security seem to be hitting employees hard, according to workers contacting Employee Advisory Resource's (EAR) employee assistance helpline. June 2008 records at EAR ñ one of the UKís leading providers of Employee Assistance Programmes ñ show a 27% increase in calls relating to redundancy issues based on the same period last year. This number has jumped by 42% when compared with calls received by EAR in May 2008.
Calls relating to performance, such as appraisal, absence and promotion issues, have remained stable. However, employees are seeking increased levels of advice and support on training and development issues.
When it comes to calls arising from personal issues, it seems that employees' home lives are becoming more stressful. Compared to the same time last year, calls received in June 2008 about personal relationships, including family, marital and sexual issues, have increased by 8%.
According to Alan King, managing director of Employee Advisory Resource, employers need to take steps to keep their people informed.
In light of the issues raised by callers to the EAR helplines this month, it's clear that workers are feeling pressured and stress as fears over the credit crunch grip them. There are marked concerns about their roles and future job stability and to ensure that people remain committed to the business and their role, organisations need to ensure they maintain good communication with their people and respond to any queries or concerns that employees have regarding these issues, he comments.
Workers seek assistance as redundancy fears grow
Leading employee assistance provider reports 42% increase in redundancy-related calls compared to May 2008
