Beyond Job Insecurity: The Role of Global Occupation Insecurity in Shaping Happiness, Health, and Performance

Abstract Economic stress encompasses various interconnected factors, including job insecurity and the emerging concept of global occupation insecurity. This study investigates how global occupation insecurity (a) differs from and (b) relates to quantitative job insecurity. Moreover, the research examines the associations between global occupation insecurity and indicators of happiness, health, and performance. Using a cross-sectional ( N Study 1 = 205) and a three-wave sample ( N Study 2 = 213) from Germany, the findings reveal that global occupation insecurity is distinct from quantitative job insecurity, yet individuals experiencing higher levels of global occupation insecurity also perceive greater quantitative job insecurity. Moreover, global occupation insecurity is linked to subjective career success and various workplace behaviors, including in-role performance, organizational citizenship behavior, counterproductive work behavior, and time theft. Contrary to expectations, no significant relationship was found between global occupation insecurity and physical health. The results emphasize that global occupation insecurity captures unique aspects of employees’ experiences beyond traditional job insecurity, particularly regarding workplace behavior. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the unique role of global occupation insecurity in shaping employee experiences. The practical implications underscore the need for targeted interventions to address diverse perceptions of insecurity among workers, thereby promoting sustainable career development and enhancing organizational effectiveness. These findings highlight the importance of strategic workforce planning and proactive communication in mitigating the adverse effects of economic stressors in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.