Why Personality Decides How You Survive Redundancy | Chrys Gerokonstantis

In this episode, Claudia Gasson interviews organisational psychologist Chrys Gerokonstantis to explore how personality traits influence our responses to career change, redundancy, and workplace upheavals. They delve into concepts such as resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of tailored support during transitions, especially in a rapidly changing work landscape shaped by AI and economic shifts.

Main Topics:

• Chris's career journey from economics to consulting and psychology
• The role of personality in handling job loss and career transitions
• How traits like neuroticism, openness, and conscientiousness influence psychological resilience
• The impact of work identity attachment on mental health during layoffs
• Practical advice for leaders managing redundancies with personality insights
• Differentiating between burnout, depression, and anxiety in career crises
• The mental health sector's readiness for AI-driven displacement and increasing transition demands

Timestamps:
00:00 - Understanding the connection between personality and career change
00:45 - Chrys's background: From Greek upbringing and sports to economics, then psychology

01:30 - The natural curiosity driving career transitions and identity development

02:50 - The psychological effects of job loss: identity rupture and physical health implications

04:15 - The role of personality traits in responses to redundancy and uncertainty

05:30 - How neuroticism influences emotional reactivity during layoffs 06:45 - The significance of attachment to work identity and self-awareness

08:00 - Big Five traits and their influence on resilience and career flexibility

09:15 - How openness can turn redundancy into an opportunity for reinvention

10:40 - Strategies for leaders to support affected employees based on personality profiles

12:05 - Managing layoffs with tact and understanding individual circumstances

13:20 - The importance of proactive self-awareness and adaptability in career transitions

14:30 - Recognising mental health symptoms: depression, anxiety, burnout in career crises

16:10 - Differentiating burnout from clinical depression and anxiety

17:25 - The state of mental health services in the era of AI displacement 19:00 - Practical steps for individuals facing depression or anxiety during career change

20:45 - The importance of recognising symptoms without pathologising 22:10 - The potential for crisis to be a transformational opportunity
23:00 - When clinical support is needed: functional assessment for therapy vs coaching
24:45 - The impact of emotional and social health in employment and transition
27:00 - Preparing organisations for AI-driven workforce changes and mental health support

28:30 - The new generation’s view of careers as self-directed projects

Resources & Links:

• Waddyado
• Awair - Hogan Assessments UK Distributor
• Mental Health Support

This episode provides valuable insights for individuals navigating career upheavals, leaders managing layoffs, and organisations preparing for the future of work amidst technological advancements.