Productivity Plummets For 80% Amid Uncertainty: 5 Ways To Cope

Times are tough and people are increasingly worried about everything from recession and inflation to climate change and global supply chain issues. And even though people understand change is a reality, the constant barrage is reducing productivity and job satisfaction.

But there are some silver linings, and it’s possible to cope effectively by taking five key actions.

Concerns Abound

Resilience is defined as understanding reality, making sense of it and responding effectively. So first, it’s important to understand what’s causing the discontent, worry and concern.

New research by Adobe involving almost 10,000 people across eight global markets found 80% of people are concerned by at least one global issue, upsetting them enough to impact negatively on their productivity and job satisfaction. Concerns tend to cluster along generational lines. Younger workers tend to be more affected than older workers, with 93% of Gen Zs, 87% of Millennials, 79% of Gen X and 71% of Boomers reporting negative impacts. And 44% of employees across age groups feel more anxious and more discouraged than ever before.

The primary source of anxiety and uncertainty across all groups globally are economic stability and inflation—reported by 70% of respondents. This is followed by climate change (56%), COVID-19 variants (44%), geopolitical conflict (46%) and supply chain issues (46%). In the U.S., 65% of people are also concerned about gun violence.

Leaders (64%) are also concerned about the future success of their business. A study by Clarify Capital found 71% of leaders believe a recession is near, with 45% expecting it will hit before the end of 2022. Small business owners (70%) are worried their business won’t survive a recession and 81% are anxious about their personal finances.

Consumption Is Up

Perhaps part of the reason people are so anxious about the future is because of the time they spend immersed in the (bad) news. According to the Adobe study, 70% of people spend more time absorbing and discussing news coverage today compared with a year ago. Most people spend about two hours per day.

And 43% of people say they spend more time discussing national or global news coverage than they did a year ago. This group generally spends about an hour a day on these discussions.

A Few Bright Spots

Amid all the tension, there are some bright spots. For example, with 71% of people agreeing change is a constant, 58% say work is a welcome distraction during times of uncertainty—so people are finding constructive ways to refocus and respond.

In addition, work is a source of support with leaders rising to the challenge. Fully 73% say their managers are meeting or exceeding their expectations in providing support amid the uncertainty.

And difficult times can bring people together. Three in five leaders say the worrisome situations have brought them closer to their direct reports over time.

How to Cope

Amid all the uncertainty, there are meaningful ways to cope effectively.

#1 – Maintain Perspective and Focus

When you’re worried or anxious, it can be helpful to focus on the future and remind yourself these times will pass. Recall other tough times—difficulties with the economy, your job or your personal life. Almost everyone has been through a challenge at some point, and looking back will remind you how today will be past tense at some point. Things won’t remain the same, and you can stay focused on a brighter future.

In addition, focus on your priorities and the outcomes you want to accomplish. Instead of worrying about the business downturn, focus on doing the best you can for your customer. Rather than stewing about another worrying global issue, focus on getting things done and staying the course with deliverables for your project. As an alternative to conversing with your friend about the world’s problems, brainstorm about all the countries you’d like to visit. By focusing on positive thoughts and actions, you’ll reduce your stress.

#2 – Remind Yourself of Your Capabilities

To reduce your worry, also remind remind yourself of your capabilities and how you’ve gotten through things before. There was the time you faced an economic downturn and you reduced your spending, successfully managing your budget. Or the time your job was on the rocks, and you networked your way to a new opportunity.

Resilience is a muscle and each time you go through something, you’re stronger for the next challenge. Reinforce your skills and validate your own ability to respond proactively, solve problems and keep going.

#3 – Focus on Helping Others

One of the most powerful ways people form bonds is by going through hard times together, so difficulty can actually be a source of connection and belonging. Even though you wouldn’t choose problems as a way to build community, it is a positive outcome. In addition, when you help others, you increase the likelihood of experiencing happiness and fulfillment, so focus on colleagues, friends and family.

Pay attention to who might be struggling. Ask questions. Listen and provide support. Offer to connect your laid off colleague with key people in your network or establish a carpool with the coworker who is trying to save money on gas. When you’re contributing your compassion, your time or your skills, you tend to be less focused on your own stress and you build strong relationships as well.

#4 – Choose Wisely

Another surefire way to reduce stress is to reduce your exposure to all forms of media. Set a time limit for your social media apps so you don’t spend hours doom scrolling, and turn off the television or the streaming news service. One media personality who appeared regularly on a major news outlet said her producer told her, “I don’t care what you say on the air, just don’t give them a reason to change the channel.” Her conclusion was that success (and ratings) were based on hype—and this drove negative reporting.

When you experience a constant barrage of bad news, worrisome updates or anxiety-producing broadcasts, you’re marinating in negativity. Turn off and tune out. Choose to fill your time instead with reading, exercising or volunteering in your community. Or immerse yourself in your work which you enjoy. Raise your hand for a project at work which will stretch your skills, or contribute on the new initiative which will connect you to the company’s strategy. When you increase your investment in activities which are satisfying, you have less time to soak in bad news.

#5 – Get Outside

Perhaps one of the most unappreciated ways to cope with worry and anxiety to spend time in nature. A sweeping analysis published in Science Advances included 301 separate studies across 62 countries. The research found nature can improve physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing. It can improve thinking and enhance social bonding. It can also inspire greater creativity and provide a sense of renewal and motivation.

Experts hypothesize nature is so powerfully positive because if creates a sense of awe—and reminds you of how small you are in relationship to so much beauty around you—and your problems seem smaller too. Nature also fills the senses through color, texture, sights, smells and the sense of warmth or the breeze in your hair. All of these tend to fill the mind and help dispel worry or anxiety.

In Sum

It’s important to give yourself permission to worry. After all, if you’re not experiencing some concerns, you may not be in touch with reality. But after you give yourself a moment to feel the anxiety, take positive steps to regroup, reset and move forward—for your own benefit and for those around you.