Change is inevitable, especially in today’s workplace. Companies are always striving to implement new methods to increase development and revenues while downsizing. For most people, change and adversity are difficult paths to traverse, particularly where challenges may indisputably reshape career goals and lifestyle. Fears of job losses or demotion are tangible. However, despite what you might endure, you must always be prepared to address such challenges in an appropriate manner.
Here are five strategies to effectively to handle work changes:
1. Be Open, yet Strategic
Open-mindedness is essential in managing shifts at work. Additionally, confronting change is not easy for most. Professionals who practice tolerance and receptiveness are those that management turn to in times of transition. Open-mindedness includes being aware of your environment. This is not the time to be jaded or inactive. Being spot on with your work, timing, and attitude are tactics to ensure your role, responsibilities, and upward mobility.
2. Know the Facts
You cannot over-communicate when undergoing organizational change. Communication is a two-way street that falls on both the employer and employee. However, as an employee, you never want to wait too long to connect with your manager regarding the new agenda of the team and how these adjustments may affect you personally.
3. Prepare for Multiple Outcomes
It’s impossible to know what the future holds. The very essence of change is such that you can’t control or predict what happens. Therefore, start planning for the alternative. Write out a well-thought-plan that includes multiple outcomes (i.e., transferring to a new team, landing a new job, building stronger networks, staying in your role) to ensure that you’re not caught in an undesirable situation where you’re unprepared.
4. Prioritize Your Well-being
Fear is a big part of an organizational change that often leads to stress and anxiety. Therefore, you must always put your well-being as your main priority. Developing a healthy work-life balance is critical, especially when faced with adversities in your career. The balance is different for each of us – there is no perfect, one-size fits all method. However, some suggested healthy options are as follows:
- Knowing your limits: Knowing what you can or cannot accept will better equip you to handle shifts at work. For example, if your work affects your mental and physical health or professional growth, it’s time to rethink the value of the position.
- Seeking advice from your trusted circle: Strong relationships with people you can trust are crucial in dealing with difficulties. Together, you can use your shared knowledge, experience, and creativity to tackle these issues.
- Identifying a positive stress-free outlet: Participate in activities that promote wellness. Such outlets include: exercise activities, social networks, meditating, journaling, etc.
5. Patience is a Virtue
Work pressures can cause your impulse to react quickly, but don’t take the bait! Patience is one of the most beneficial traits to ensure career development. Thus, thinking before you act and maintaining the capacity to tolerate trouble are the keys to professional and personal success.
About the Author
Amanda Spencer is a Global Financial Crimes professional in New York City. She has firsthand understandings of global affairs, international business, and communications. Amanda is also a published researcher. Her studies specialize in emerging global threats. Amanda is the founder of Her Global Insights, a blogging platform striving to prepare and encourage young women to take on leadership roles.
