The next crisis after Corona: Rising cost of living and the threat of private insolvencies - A social powder keg for companies, too?
What entrepreneurs should now expect in order to be prepared for the consequences of high stress levels in their own workforce.
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Collective trends as a result of external influences: A changed society
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Shortage of skilled workers leads to higher security risks
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New perspectives as an opportunity for companies
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and all the resulting consequences are having a massive impact on companies. Collapsed supply chains and, above all, exploding energy prices are already bringing some management to the brink of despair.
The press is already reporting a possible recession in the coming year and the first companies are filing for insolvency. The forecasts of the leading economic institutes are also rather gloomy and companies are worried about their ability to survive. Business management factors such as liquidity, delivery times, inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable are in focus.
But what else is happening in companies, perhaps in places that are not often thought of at the moment? What is the current crisis doing to employees and what behavior should responsible managers expect?
Collective trends as a result of extreme influences: A changed society
The last few months have brought us to the long time of the corona-related Restrictions again more freedom - both in their private and professional lives. Workers:inside turn (at least partially) again back into the companies, especially for Team meetings, events and training courses. Likewise, major events such as concerts and sporting events are taking place again without any restrictions and with full attendance. This creates euphoria: After two years of virtual isolation, we can finally see each other again, meet, and establish closer contacts than digital formats can. in the last two yahren made possible.
Behavioral problems due to social isolation?
People's behavior has changed as a result of the pandemic and the restrictions. Corona was an exceptional situation and has led to massive social effects. Not only among children and young people, but also on the behavior of adults.
A large part of the population was forced to endure a long period of time in a restricted space and with limited personal or social contacts and was permanently exposed to enormous pressure. The last years have left clear mental traces and have led to a high stress level. This in turn leads to more behavioral problems, a higher potential for aggression and the partial Loss of generally accepted rules of conduct.
After two years of crisis comes the next crisis? Social tensions and security risks are on the rise.
Now people have had just six months to take a breath, until perhaps an even greater fear comes their way: Wou will have to choose a still be able to afford a warm apartment? The fear of personal insolvency is palpable, and that affects people. And as the population already at a high Stress level If the company is located in the same area as the company itself, it should be assumed that the aforementioned behavioral problems will develop even more dramatically in the coming months.
People under pressure become a danger
People will come under mental and financial pressure. Purchasing power may no longer be sufficient and the fear of social decline will increase. That is why local authorities (e.g. in the Netherlands) are already planning the "social unrest" scenario.
The working climate in companies can also deteriorate significantly in the coming months. Employees under pressure can become a danger:
- The "temptability" of theft or breach of confidentiality and the possibility of blackmail could increase: For this reason, security standards should be reviewed and, if necessary, adapted.
- Aggression within the workforce could increase, accompanied by a growing propensity to violence / radicalism, racism, sexism, destructiveness / vandalism.
- People who are stressed become careless: This increases the likelihood of human errors that can creep in due to inattention, demotivation or frustration. Thus, companies should review their security protocols or assume an increased error rate.
Shortage of skilled workers leads to higher security risks
The loss of qualified and trained specialists who have left the companies in the wake of the pandemic is also leading to lasting capacity bottlenecks and increased stress for the remaining workforce in various places. This was not only felt in places like airport check-in during the vacation season or in the food service industry. For example, the Cranger Fair, of a of the largest folk festivals in GermanyThe company faced an enormous shortage of manpower. There was not only a lack of skilled personnel for the construction of the rides, but also for the safety instructions of the visitors and the inspection of the safety measures. This increases the risk of accidents for the visitors, which is in the worst case can lead to death.
Entrepreneurial shaping of the future
All of this may sound negative and create the impression that companies need to protect themselves from radicalizing employees.:innen protect. But that is not our concern. We see your opportunity, si as responsible/r, listening/r and caring/r Employer:in to position. It is a good moment to aOn employees:inside actively and to work together via Support options thinking: How can you make your employees:inside protect against the threat of personal insolvency? A few possibilities that companies might now be thinking about:
- Energy support / energy money / bonus (like the coal miners used to have).
- "Warm rooms", i.e. warm social rooms for the workforce including family members
- Family members can use the canteen
- Employer:in offers centralized advice on private insolvency
- Offer of an external (!) worry phone
- Support for cost-cutting measures (e.g. electric company bicycle for commuting to work)
New perspectives as an opportunity for companies
Business challenges are constantly experiencing new facets and require agile risk management that must preemptively deal with the consequences of current crises and the accompanying social unrest in the company.
The newly founded WB Risk Prevention Systems GmbH, which due to the market success of a WB business unit has matured into its own company, offers a team of Expert:innen with exceptional experience for completely new perspectives and confident, pragmatic approaches to solutions. As strategic partners, we support companies and public authorities in risk prevention and the development of strategic risk management, in coping with crises and in developing a resilient strategy for the future.
Thereby see the Consulting boutique partner current and future changes not as a threat, but as an entrepreneurial opportunity in a constantly changing "new" world to be among those who will not only endure the development, but will shape it.
Do you have questions or want to learn more about WB Risk Prevention Systems?
We look forward to an exchange with you. Write us a message or simply give us a call: +49 234 9041836-0
