6 Ways to reduce stress in the workplace
July 30 2018
Read moreCoping with change in the workplace can be a challenge.
But change is an essential factor for businesses. Markets, products, and processes are forever adapting–meaning you must meet new criteria in order to thrive.
Managing change in the workplace is so important. When workplace changes occur, you need to ensure they are reasonable and fair. If not, you could affect your workplace culture, morale, and dynamics.
In this guide, we’ll look at why changes in the workplace are important, and how to support your employees during these unsettling times.
Change is a normal factor in everyday life—and this doesn’t escape from the workplace.
They involve many requirements which can help your business grow. This includes things like dealing with new developments, adapting to new markets, and investing in new technology.
All these new advancements can help your business stay ahead of competitors, achieve goals, and officiate processes.
CIPD found that failure rates for bad organisational changes reached as high as 70%. This statistic demonstrates a need for effective change management.
We can’t name them all, but there are so many different workplace changes you can utilise.
Some of the most common workplace changes include:
These come about through socio-economic factors. Like COVID-19 impacts, ever-advancing technologies, and increased cost of living. Businesses need to adapt now more than ever.
Managing and implementing change in the workplace isn’t an easy task.
If it’s done wrong, you might meet resistance from employees. This type of friction can spread rapidly between colleagues, leading to hostile and unhealthy work environments.
You need to ensure workplace changes don’t lead to conflicting management, poor attitudes, and regular dissatisfaction. Here are steps to take for coping with change in the workplace:
When habits and routines are ingrained into everyday life, change can trigger a range of thoughts and emotions. That’s why it’s so important to introduce change step-by-step.
By doing so, you can allow employees to acclimatise with workplace changes. Take it slow and refrain from making big shifts all at once.
Stagger changes at a steady pace. By doing so, you reduce the risk of employees feeling out of their depths in unfamiliar surroundings.
Research shows employees involved in organisational changes can help mitigate resistance.
Some of the best ways to share decision-making with your employees are through methods like:
When employees, line managers, and decision-makers collectively input their opinions or ideas, it leads to stronger unanimous decisions. Communication is clear and everyone is engaged in the process.
As we mentioned earlier, resistance to change can come in many different forms. So, try to spot the signs of employees struggling after changes have been implemented. Look out for:
It’s important to address these signs as soon as possible. Be empathetic and acknowledge that employees need time to get used to new ways of working.
Make sure your employees know that they can share their feelings in a safe and confidential space. Build trust, have open relationships, and hear their voice–collectively, you can strive towards workplace coherence.
Helping employees cope with change involves a consistent line of communication.
You can do this by providing regular updates on ongoing progress. Keep them in the loop and avoid springing new things onto them.
It’s so important to explain why changes are taking place, and how it’ll contribute towards organisational goals.
Every employee is different; so be empathetic with every response. Understand the after-affects they may face, from daily routines to overall life.
To you, a workplace change might mean everyone arrives to work on time. But think about those it'll directly affect; like parents, long-distant commuters, or anyone with health issues.
Aim to be empathetic and witness the transition become easier over time.
Before you undergo big organisational adjustments, introduce training for coping with change.
Health Assured offer bespoke workshops which are tremendous at helping employees cope with change.
The course covers recognising uncertainties, ways to raise concerns, and managing stress in the workplace.
At Health Assured, our experts can help transform your workplace into one of support and openness. We can help you and your staff through challenging periods at work with our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
We can also equip your senior leaders with the tools to learn how to cope with change management.
Contact our wellbeing experts today via 0800 206 2553.
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