Insecurity is not only annoying, it is also unhealthy. That's according to a classic American study by Judith Rodin and Ellen Langer on the impact of lack of control on health. The elderly in a nursing home who had more control - for example, over their meal choices - were less likely to die than those with less control.

No wonder, says Frenk van Harreveld, that many people started hoarding en masse when the lockdown was announced. 'There is nothing scarier than being exposed to a risk that is invisible. Hoarding, mouth caps: in a pandemic it gives people a sense of control.'

Radiate certainty

Working from home with young children, income insecurity, an uncertain future: many employees are currently challenged. As an employer, it is therefore important to exude confidence and security.

But yes, that is easier said than done when there are few certainties. According to Van Harreveld, radiating certainty does not mean making yourself look tougher than you are. People will see through that soon enough and it will be at the expense of your integrity. You can be honest about the uncertainties and still be clear about your approach and the certainties you do have," says the behavioral psychologist.

Order and structure

With so many certainties gone, it's important to build fixes into the day: taking a walk every day, for example. Van Harreveld: 'If you see that your employees are having a hard time working from home, try to help them add order and structure to their day. In uncertain times, that really offers something to hold on to.'

The tips from this podcast:

1. Realize what uncertainty does to people;
2. Communicate with certainty; even about the things you are not sure about;
3. Help your employees establish order and structure.