In the second quarter of 2019, the worrying unemployment rate in South Africa increased yet again from 27.6 to 29%. This is a disturbing trend. This is the highest jobless rate since the first quarter of 2003.

Since the start of 2019 the energy (impending Eskom restructuring), retailing (Edcon) and banking (Standard Bank) industries have warned of significant impending job losses. Worldwide, job insecurity is a prominent concern for employees. It is safe to say that job insecurity is a generic characteristic and common stressor, especially pronounced in South African workplaces.

Did you know that your level of job security could influence your daily life in a profound way? It is highly probable that your experienced level of job security – or rather the lack thereof – could increase your chances of experiencing depression, impaired physical health, and decreased overall life satisfaction. Not great news, right? And organisations should take note. Low levels of employee job security spell bad news. Employees that experience high levels of job insecurity tend to engage in various negative behaviours, including risky safety related behaviours, psychological contract breach and even unethical behaviours.

So, what exactly is job security? Most people will experience job security in two ways. You are likely to think about the level of perceived stability and continuance of your job in a particular way. Researchers call this your cognitive or rational appraisal (evaluation) of the future of your job. Examples include how stable and secure you think your current job is. However, you are also likely to experience emotions when you think about the stability of your job. Researchers term this your affective appraisal (or evaluation) of your job security.  Your emotional reactions regarding your job security is captured, for example, by whether you feel troubled and anxious about your level of job security.

Research on job security in South Africa is on the rise, but we need your help! If we as researchers can better understand job security of South African employees, we can help organisations design better interventions to manage employee experiences regarding job insecurity. This should reduce the negative effects on you and also have positive benefits for the organisation. Please assist us by completing a survey on your Job security by clicking on this link: https://sunsurveys.sun.ac.za/careers24measurmentinvariance.aspx

It should only take 10 minutes to complete.