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5 Types Fear in the Workplace That Hold Your Employees Back from Success

As a manager, it can be challenging to keep your team happy and motivated. After all, many employees experience on-the-job stress.


One of the best places to start is to understand what motivates each employee so that you can identify what's holding them back. In today's article, we look at improving motivation by discussing types of work fear most employees may face.


a scrabble board that spells FEAR

1. Fear of Failure

Let's start by discussing one of the most common types of fear in the workplace and in general. The fear of failure is universal, especially when it comes to trying to succeed in the competitive corporate world.

As a business owner or team manager, it can be exhausting trying to deal with someone's fear of failure. Yet understanding this struggle can help you know when to offer the right encouragement. It’s important to speak with your team one-on-one and let them know that you’re there for them, and that you trust them to take on new challenges or responsibilities. You can even explore a custom training program to build up the foundational skills your employee thinks they lack. Building up confidence and self-esteem doesn't happen overnight but take it day by day.

2. Fear of Change

The fear of change is another universal form of anxiety when it comes to the workplace. And yet the corporate world is in a constant state of change.

That's why you need to be aware of the anxiety created by sudden and unexpected changes in your corporate structure or when shifting team members between various projects.

The key is to be a great communication. Always try to be as open and transparent as possible. This will help to reduce the trauma of unexpected announcements.

3. Fear of Embarrassment

Nobody likes to be embarrassed. Many shy or introverted individuals may even live in fear of being called out or humiliated in front of their peers. It's important not to be that kind of manager!


The key to reducing fear of embarrassment among your team is to look for ways to communicate privately or keep things positive, especially when providing feedback or addressing specific concerns within your office environment. Learn more about how to build a motivational workplace environment where your team feels comfortable speaking their mind and asking for help when needed.

4. Fear of Rejection

People feel rejected for any number of reasons. In the workplace, rejection can come from pitching ideas or pursuing promotion and getting turned down.

The key is to invest in team development initiatives that helps promote a collaborative culture so that everyone feels safe to contribute without being overwhelmed by fear of rejection by their employers or peers.

5. Fear of Confrontation

Navigating confrontational situations can be tricky. Many employees will go out of their way to avoid confrontation because it makes them feel incredibly uncomfortable.

This is another area where good communication skills can help reduce negative emotions that tend to make situations worse.

Face Your Fears Head On With Coursetter!

It's no secret that managing employees is crucial to keeping a small business profitable and running efficiently. Fortunately, this guide to common fears in the workplace can help you be a better leader and communicator.


The professionals at Coursesetter can provide the team development expertise your employees need to make your company more profitable and efficient. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about our course catalogue and instructors across Canada!

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