A change for the better
Dealing with change can be challenging but, with the right approach, it's possible to not only survive but thrive.
It was Albert Einstein who said: ‘The measure of intelligence is the ability to change’, which is a good job because change is everywhere, particularly in the modern workplace. Whether it’s a new manager, revised policies or a major organisational shift, employees must adapt to evolving circumstances.
Occupational psychologist, and CEO of Wellbeing with Cari, Maria Paviour, explains why change can be so intimidating for some people: ‘Change is the only constant in life, so why is it so difficult to handle? For some people, change is an exciting and rewarding experience but, for any of us, the impact of change can be devastating.
‘This is where it may cause cognitive dissonance – or severe mental disturbances. What may seem like a straightforward change, especially for someone who has designed it, can have major consequences if we fail to consider its impact.’
Good communication, right from the start with everyone affected by the change is, says, Paviour, critical.
‘Imagine going outside to go to work and discovering someone had changed all the roads and routes in the night – that where you used to turn left, you now turn right,’ she says. ‘That is how it can feel, so a good “road map” to the change – step-by-step processes and lots of consultation – is vital.’
The ripple effect of organisational change extends further than you may think. Research from Norway’s Department of Work Psychology and Physiology showed that implementing organisational change, especially repeated change, may have an adverse effect on various parts of the psychosocial work environment and that the negative effects of a company’s psychosocial working conditions may contribute to the adverse health effects often observed following such changes.
So, change is a constant in the workplace, and how you cope with it can significantly impact your career and wellbeing. Embrace change with a positive mindset, stay informed and be adaptable. Effective communication and self-care are crucial, and seeking support when needed is a sign of strength.
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On the flip side, avoid resisting change, engaging in negative behaviours or neglecting your wellbeing.
Dos and don'ts
Do
- Embrace a positive mindset. Do maintain a positive outlook. Change often brings new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embrace it as a chance to learn and develop professionally.
- Stay Informed. Seek information and stay informed about the changes happening in your workplace. Understanding the reasons behind the change can help alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
- Demonstrate adaptability. Flexibility is a valuable skill in a rapidly changing work environment and something potential employers will look out for, so be adaptable and open to new ideas.
- Communicate effectively. Regardless of your own seniority, it’s important to engage in open and honest communication, whether it’s with colleagues and superiors. Share your concerns, ask questions and provide constructive feedback when appropriate.
- Prioritise self-care. Coping with change can be stressful, so make sure to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing. Eat healthily, take regular breaks, get some exercise and drink plenty of water.
- Seek support. If you do feel overwhelmed, seek support from colleagues, mentors or employee assistance programmes. Sharing your concerns with others can provide valuable insights and emotional support.
- Focus on skills development. Do use change as an opportunity to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. This can make you more valuable to your organisation in the long run.
Don’t
- Pretend it isn’t happening. Don’t resist change out of fear or comfort. This resistance can lead to frustration and hinder your professional growth.
- Gossip or speculate. Don’t engage in gossip or spread rumors about the changes. Speculation can create unnecessary anxiety and division among colleagues.
- Isolate yourself. Maintain your professional relationships during periods of change and seek support from your peers.
- Complain excessively. While it’s natural to have concerns, excessive complaining can create a negative atmosphere and damage your reputation.
- Second guess the outcome. Don’t rush to judgment about the success or failure of the changes. Give them time to unfold and evaluate their impact objectively.
- Neglect self-care. Stress can take a toll on your health and performance, so make self-care a priority.
- Refuse to learn. The workplace is ever-evolving and a refusal to learn new skills or approaches can lead to professional stagnation.
More information
This article was first published in Student Accountant in October 2023 | Get the SA app now