Providing job security for employees can be fundamental to ensuring an organisation’s overall growth and success. There are multiple factors that can significantly enhance and contribute to the job security of a workforce. In this article, we will discuss how organisations can provide job security to their staff, including the benefits of CPD training as a valuable tool for improving job security.
What is job security and why it’s beneficial?
Job security refers to an employee’s confidence in the longevity of their role within an organisation. Employees who are uncertain about their future in a company may struggle with engagement and might seek more secure positions elsewhere, causing potential issues. They may even apply for different jobs with the intention of finding a more secure role. These factors can harm an organisation's output and lead to lower retention, thereby increasing overall expenditure through the hiring, onboarding, and training required to replace departing staff.
Conversely, employees with a strong sense of job security often provide benefits to an organisation as this can encourage investment in developing skills relevant to their role. Such employees may also demonstrate greater ambition and determination to achieve an organisation's projects and goals. Employees who feel secure and motivated are likely to be more committed, potentially increasing their output and contributing positively to an organisation's overall productivity and success.
How to provide job security to employees
It is important for organisations to actively provide job security to employees. This can be achieved in various ways - including encouraging a culture of development and providing clear aims for staff. Here are some ways organisations can utilise to support job security:
1. Clear goals
An organisation with clear goals may find it easier to communicate exactly what they expect of their employees. Targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) are effective ways to set goals within an organisation. This can improve job security as employees clearly understand what is expected of them – and builds confidence in their role.
2. Strong leadership
Strong leadership and effective management structures are crucial underpinnings to employee job security. It is important for employees to have respect and trust for overall management and their decision making. This builds confidence in the future of their organisation and leads to greater individual commitment to an organisation.
3. Feedback
Good communication within an organisation can be another important factor in building employee job security. As well as clearly defining expectations and vision, it is important for management to encourage feedback from employees. This demonstrates that they care about the ideas of employees and are interested in them developing within their role. Encouraging employees to actively think about their future and development can greatly improve their sense of job security.
4. Rewards
Monetary rewards - such as bonuses and salary increases - can improve job security for employees as it highlights their value and provides a clear pathway to success within an organisation. Ensuring what is required is understood in order to receive rewards helps employees focus on their role and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their abilities.
5. Training
Investing in training, such as CPD, is a core method for organisations to improve employee job security. Supporting and promoting ongoing learning clearly displays to employees that their organisation values their development. It can also show ambition that their role will exist in the future. Employees that engage in learning and skills development will also improve their confidence and feel more effective and secure in their role.