Managing Change

The idea of change can be unsettling and uncomfortable for some. As humans, it is completely normal to fear change due to the uncertainty around it. At the same time, it is inevitable, and in a business environment, essential for that business to be able to survive. This blog will provide you with information on how to manager change, whether you are an employee or a manager.

Understanding Change

Change can occur within the workplace in a number of different ways. Changes can be small, or on a larger scale. Below are some examples of the main types of changes an organisation may experience:

Organisation-Wide Change: 
Impacts the entire company e.g. new policies, restructure of leadership, new technology being introduced.

Transformational Change: 
Impacts the strategy of a company e.g. expansion into new markets, workplace culture changes.

Personnel Change:
Impact on the staff e.g. redundancies, resizing of the company.

Unplanned Change: 
Change that occurs after an unexpected event e.g. a natural disaster, or changes to government legislation.

Remedial Change: 
Changes made when a company has been performing poorly. This can be a result of poor leadership etc.

How Can Managers Assist with the Change Process?

Change at work can be a stressful time for employees. The below are some tips on how to assist with the transition.

Communication: 
It is important to be transparent with employees. Communicate what change c is occurring and data the reason behind it.  

Allow employees to voice their opinions: 
Giving employees an opportunity to give their feedback will minimise frustrations they have, as this is allowing them to be heard.

Focus of employees: 
Communicate how the change will benefit employees. Get them involved in the process and train employees to act as role models to lead the change.

Tips for Employees Dealing with Change at Work

Acknowledge and recognise the change that is occurring.

Identify your fears around the change. Take some time to write them down, as well as some ways that you can combat them.

Talk to someone about how you are feeling about this change. Reach out to a close friend, colleague, partner to have a chat. Your Employee Assistance Program can also help if you would prefer to speak to someone confidentially.

Focus on the positives. Instead of worrying about what might happen, allow yourself to think about how you have positively handled change in the past.

Embrace the change and allow yourself to be open to new challenges

Communicate within your company and find out more about the changes happening. Be proactive and ask questions if you have not been given enough information

Look after yourself and manage any stress and anxiety that you may be feeling. Talk to someone, focus on your exercise and nutrition, participate in meditation. Do the things that work for you when it comes to managing your stress.

Who to contact for help?

Make an appointment with a General Practitoner (GP)

Contact your EAP AU 1300 135 600 NZ 0800 452 521 [email protected]