In order to conceptualize and validate the occupation insecurity scale (OCIS), a series of research methods were employed, including focus groups, subject-matter expert interviews, a quantitative pilot study, and a quantitative main study in the form of a survey. Translations into Dutch and French were also conducted. The results of the study indicate that OCIS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring occupation insecurity.
In a representative sample in Belgium, the findings from this project indicate that 13% of respondents feared their occupation may disappear due to automation and technological progress. A majority (61%) expected significant changes to their occupation and responsibilities as a result of technological advancements. As many as one in three respondents worried that their current skills were insufficient, while 58% believed they needed additional training in technology to continue performing in their current occupation.
Younger employees, below 30 years old, and those with a weaker labor market position were more concerned about the future content of their occupation. The insecurity has real-life implications for both employees and employers, negatively affecting work engagement, life, and job satisfaction. For example, 27% of respondents with high insecurity regarding their skillset reported lower work engagement compared to 15% of employees with lower insecurity.
Thus, the occupation insecurity scale (OCIS) is a useful tool to identify employees’ concerns in order to be able to take appropriate measures before occupation insecurity has a negative impact on employee wellbeing and organizational performance.
The OCIS scale has been adopted by other researchers (e.g. from Germany, Belgium, the USA and New Zealand) and organizations (e.g. COC-Christian Education Federation) in their own studies, indicating its relevance and usefulness in the field. In addition to peer-reviewd articles, results of the project have been disseminated through various conferences, meetings, workshops, and seminars, including:
• A guest lecture at KU Leuven in winter term 2021.
• A seminar at the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford, in June 2022.
• Two lab meetings and a departmental meeting at Washington State University in March and April 2022.
• A symposium at the 15th European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology Conference in Bordeaux, France, in July 2022.
• A symposium at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Conference in Seattle, WA, USA, in April 2022.
• Blog posts on the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing website and the KU Leuven blog.
• Articles published through StepStone, which were picked up by international news outlets.
• A blog post on the German think tank for digitalization, Algorith.
• Two discussion evenings on occupation insecurity with members of Algorith.
• Participation in the German podcast "der Freitag."
