By: CeCe President
I Remember the First Time Workplace Uncertainty Walked into My Office.
It was December 1995, and I was a young government contractor working for the U.S. Department of Labor when the unthinkable happened—a 21-day government shutdown.
The days leading up to it were filled with speculation. Would we still have jobs? Would we be paid? Would this be over in a few days or stretch on for weeks? No one had answers.
What we did have was an office filled with nervous conversations, people checking the news every five minutes, and that gut-wrenching feeling of not being in control. Productivity took a nosedive. Some people disengaged completely stuck in limbo. Others worked harder, trying to prove their value in case layoffs followed. Tension was high, motivation was low, and clarity was nowhere to be found.
And the worst part? No one prepared us for what to do in times like these.
Looking back now, I see the patterns so clearly. That level of workplace uncertainty isn’t just about funding anymore—it’s about the future of entire programs, priorities, and policies. In government offices today, employees are bracing for sweeping changes in leadership, the dismantling of long-standing initiatives, and the dismantling of DEI efforts that once felt untouchable. From DOGE shifts to policy rollbacks, hiring freezes to budget slashes, entire teams are left wondering: Are we still valued? Will our work even matter tomorrow? And that uncertainty isn’t just frustrating—it’s exhausting.
If I could go back and give my younger self and my team something, it wouldn’t be empty reassurances. It would be a set of tools. A way to stay steady when everything around us feels shaky.
The Hidden Toll of Workplace Uncertainty
Here’s the truth: Workplace uncertainty isn’t just stressful—it’s disruptive.
When people don’t know what’s coming next, it triggers the brain’s threat response. The mind starts filling in the blanks with worst-case scenarios, and before you know it:
Productivity plummets. Employees struggle to focus because their energy is spent managing anxiety.
Communication breaks down. When leadership doesn’t have clear answers, teams either get radio silence or vague, unhelpful updates.
Burnout spikes. People work harder to prove themselves or disengage completely, leading to exhaustion and higher turnover.
And in the helping professions—social services, education, healthcare—workplace uncertainty doesn’t just affect employees. It affects the communities they serve.
Imagine:
A school social worker unsure if their grant funding will be renewed. Do they focus on their students or start job hunting?
A nonprofit case manager stretched thin as layoffs loom. How do they serve their clients when their own future is unstable?
A healthcare worker wondering if leadership changes mean more staff cuts. Can they still provide the care their patients deserve?
Uncertainty doesn’t just sit on someone’s desk—it ripples through everything.
How to Stay Anchored When Everything Feels Unstable
If I could step into that 1995 Department of Labor office today, here’s what I’d tell my team—and what I tell leaders now:
1. Focus on What You Can Control
Workplace uncertainty magnifies the things we can’t control, making us forget about the things we can. Instead of spiraling into “What if?” questions, redirect to:
What actions can I take today that align with my values?
What routines keep me steady, even in uncertain times?
How can I support my team and maintain a culture of care?
When we shift our focus, we reclaim our power.
2. Create Anchors in the Chaos
An anchor is anything that keeps you steady when the waters get rough. This can be:
A daily grounding practice (mindfulness, journaling, or even a five-minute walk).
Team check-ins that provide a safe space for honesty.
Workplace wellness programs that offer consistency when everything else feels up in the air.
Leaders, your team needs something to rely on—even if it’s as simple as a structured time to step back, reset, and reflect.
3. Lead with Transparency & Humanity
Here’s what people don’t need during workplace uncertainty: False promises or vague reassurances.
Here’s what they do need:
Honest communication—even when the answer is “We don’t know yet.”
Empathy & support—acknowledging that uncertainty is hard.
Small, consistent actions—that show you care beyond words.
Because when workplace uncertainty hits, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating stability in how you show up.
Bringing It All Together: Practical Support That Makes a Difference
When workplace uncertainty lingers, it’s not just big changes that create impact—it’s small, steady investments in people’s well-being that help them stay engaged.
This is exactly why we created WorkWell Live—not as another overwhelming initiative, but as a simple, structured way to help teams pause, reflect, and regain control in uncertain times.
45-minute sessions every two weeks—because well-being shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Bite-sized tools to help employees stay grounded, resilient, and focused.
A shared space where teams can reset and reconnect—without adding to their workload.
Because when we invest in our people’s ability to stay steady, we invest in the mission itself.
Reflection: What Keeps You Anchored?
Uncertainty is part of every workplace. But how we respond to it determines the culture we create.
So, here’s my question to you:
What’s one thing that keeps you anchored when work (and life) feels unstable?
Drop it in the comments. Let’s build a library of resilience together.
Want to give your team a structured way to stay grounded? Check out WorkWell Live at www.workwell-live.com
Entrepreneur and international speaker CeCe President is the creator of Be BOLD Enough: A Service-Based Leadership Development System. She empowers passionate leaders with the coaching, confidence, and clarity they need to create massive impact and serve customers at the highest levels.
CeCe holds a master’s degree in public administration from the City University of New York. With over two decades of experience leading public, private, and non-profit organizations, CeCe is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and leadership coach whose work changes lives and reshapes organizations.
CeCe is an avid volunteer, outspoken advocate, and committed donor to various causes. Among the many ways she serves her community is as a board member for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, Greater Cleveland Partnership, and COSE, Cleveland’s small business Chamber of Commerce. CeCe and her husband, company founder Anthony President, are both native Clevelanders and proud alumni of John Carroll University.
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