Change is terrifying. From shaving your head fully bald for the first time ever to getting a promotion and your job changing. Change, no matter the type can be scary. The different and unknown approaches and what do you do? Do you run full force at change and accept it for what it is or do you fear change and resist it at all costs?
Sometimes we have the autonomy to choose. When it is in our personal lives and up to us we have the opportunity to pick and choose when change has the opportunity to affect us. However, we do not have the blessing over everything. Often things can change at work and with the lack of control this too can be challenging!
Workplace changes happen each and everyday. This could include changes to technology, company culture, organizational structure, goals, processes and many more. It is normal to feel uncomfortable about it, but at the same time it is important to see the bigger picture and why these changes need to occur.
Organizational changes can happen for a lot of reasons. Whether it be to allow employees to learn new skills or for company growth and success, at the end of the day it all comes down to how we go about accepting the change and the steps we took to provide support to others so no one feels alone or unheard.
With that, here are 3 tips to consider in order to accept change in the workplace.
- Have An Open Mind:
When change in the workplace comes, try to have an open mind. Although it can be stressful knowing you are leaving behind what you are familiar with, think about all the new learning opportunities that will soon come knocking. When you think of change as something positive rather than something negative you can work on retraining the way you view it.
- Ask Questions:
You might be asking yourself, why did this change happen? Was it really necessary for the organization to make this change? Reaching out to your superior and asking as many questions as you can will give you a better understanding of why the change occurred and it can assist you in completing new tasks and grasping the change as a whole. Being in the know may help you accept and appreciate the difference.
- Change Will Become Routine:
Although you may not want the change to happen because you were comfortable with the process you had before, keep in mind that once you’re IN the change, after a while you will also be comfortable in the change. Yes, it will be different to understand and grasp a new concept, but you may be a better employee for it.
Now that you have a few tips for yourself, here are 3 tips to consider when supporting other employees with change.
- Offer Help:
If you’re struggling to deal with workplace changes, chances are so are your coworkers. Although you might grasp the new concept others may just need a helping hand. So reach out to your team members asking if there is anything you can do to support them. By having these conversations, you could even help yourself to accept the change and deal with the stress that comes with it.
- Celebrate Short-term Wins:
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It can take time for people to really get the hang of the new normal and this can be discouraging. Congratulating co-workers on their success during the change, even providing employees time to train on the new concept will keep everyone optimistic and enthusiastic for its success.
- Talk About Fears:
It is important in times of change to give everyone a chance to voice their fears. Having that open dialogue amongst your team will give everyone an opportunity to address their concerns and stresses. Whether it be over a Zoom call, or in a face to face setting the conversation needs to be there. Create an open space for everyone to feel comfortable discussing their concerns and best practices to support them moving forward.
With a new generation entering the workforce as well as consistently evolving technology and workplace practices turning over, change is bound to happen. With change comes opportunity and with opportunity comes the chance for success. It is important to not shy away from change but to tackle it head on.
