By Clare Harland
Our team is going through a restructure at the moment. We’re not unique, employees across many industries are experiencing significant changes. But it’s prompted us here at Healthy Telford, to think about how unsettling changes at work can be and how they can impact on levels of anxiety and stress.
People handle change in different ways but here are a few things to consider and be aware of:
Don’t be intimidated by the fancy language
‘Change process’, ‘transformation’, ‘fit for purpose’, ‘organisational change’, ‘redundancy’, ‘posts at risk’, ‘restructuring’, ‘changes to roles and responsibilities’, ‘insourcing’, ‘outsourcing’, ‘organisational effectiveness’, ‘consultation’, ‘cost efficiency’ … If you’re going through change at work the chances are you’ve heard at least a few of these phrases.
Don’t panic. Take time to read all the information you’re given and to seek advice from family, friends, and professionals. Make sure you understand exactly what is going to happen, how it will affect you and what your options are.
Be positive about new opportunities that may open up
Sometimes we get stuck in our comfort zone and being nudged (or shoved) by change in the workplace can encourage us to think about other things we could do, whether that’s learning new skills, taking on different responsibilities, or working with different people.
Try to take a positive approach – accept that things might be a bit bumpy in the short term but have faith that you’ll end up in a much better situation once it’s all worked through.
Look after yourself
Recognise that during this period you may find things difficult and take positive steps to take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, and use the Five Ways to Wellbeing as a reminder of what will help you (Give, Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice).
Be kind to those around you
It’s likely that others in your team are also affected by the changes and they will be handling the situation it in different ways. This may put strain on normal friendships, working relationships and team dynamics. You may be competing with colleagues for job opportunities and throughout the process some people will be delighted and others will be disappointed. Make a special effort to be considerate to others however they are coping.
Lick your wounds and be professional
If the worst happens and you end with a job you didn’t want or no job at all, don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world, honest.
Continue to behave in professional way and remind yourself of all the things you’re good at. If you haven’t already decided what your Plan B is, begin work on that now and start making small steps towards getting there. In a year’s time you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.