Coping With Change at Work: Do’s and Don’ts

Although some people thrive on change, most of us fear it. That’s not surprising, as routine and predictability give us a feeling of control while the unknown elicits anxiety. 

With workplace change often comes fear, criticism, and/or new responsibilities. Here are some coping skills that can help anyone weather change more successfully.

DO:

Keep things in perspective
Try to observe the change as an “outsider.” What advice would you give someone in your situation? Might it be that whatever is occurring is not as bad as you’d imagined? Remember that anxiety is normal when changes occur.

Be patient
It might take weeks or months for a change to fully resolve itself. If that’s the case, during that time, stay flexible and open. You may find yourself more comfortable with the new situation than you’d imagined.  

Stay positive
Don’t allow yourself to give in to despair. Recognize that you’ll have good days and bad ones during the change—just as you would have had before it. Even pretending to be happy can raise your spirits.  

Look for potential upsides
It’s not necessary to agree with a change to successfully adapt to it and overcome any challenges it may bring. Remain motivated to find ways to use your skills to take advantage of the change—you may find yourself in a better position than when you began. 

DON'T:

Slack off
If a new boss is coming in, you’ll want to impress them, even if you’re not sure how you feel about that person. Should you decide to leave, you’ll still need a positive recommendation from him or her.

Isolate yourself
Talk to your coworkers, manager, people from other departments, and peers from other organizations. Learn as much as possible about whatever change is occurring to better understand how you’ll be affected. Others who’ve been through similar changes will have the most helpful advice to impart. 

Resist the change
If you try to ignore or undermine the change, you’ll only make things more difficult for yourself, your colleagues, and your manager. What’s worse, your productivity will likely plunge, and you’ll become the angry person everyone takes pains to avoid.

In Summary

By following these suggestions and reminding yourself that change is natural and inevitable, you’ll be better equipped to navigate changes large and small in your professional life. 

Remember: Responding positively to workplace change allows everyone to grow and succeed!