Organizations must undergo many transformations to adapt and grow as the working world faces all kinds of changes. However, resistance to change is always something that is to be expected. Many employees fear that the change will not benefit them or the organization. A lack of proper preparation or not knowing what to expect can further cause worry and doubt among employees. Change is often unavoidable, but there are many ways to cope with it and even grow during the process. Here are some things you can do to help you get through a work transformation:
Focus on professional development
The new learning economy has made the demand for professional development to help deal with organizational change even more pronounced. Today, school programs and universities offer dedicated courses on organizational change, often as part of leadership degrees, in order to prepare students for the rapidly evolving work landscape. Graduates who take an organizational leadership course specialize in emerging technologies such as social media and e-learning. This is in response to how businesses have become more tech-driven in training and management, particularly in the fields of technology, healthcare, and government. There’s also a strong focus on cultural intelligence, change management, interpersonal communication, and strategic decision-making, which allows graduates to develop their problem-solving skills in a fast-changing work environment.
While you don’t need to head back to school to learn these new skills, upskilling through short online courses, programs, and additional training will help prepare you for organizational or industry-wide changes within the workplace. It can help you calm your fears and boost innovation as you figure out how to adapt to new environments and processes. Upskilling will also help you become more versatile and confident upon entering a new workplace and ready to adapt to any changes.
Communicate well
Undergoing organizational change is a big challenge, and the process will not be easy. However, proper communication can reduce the hassle and confusion you may face. As an employee, don't be afraid to ask questions or raise concerns. Being able to transfer information efficiently and communicate well to anyone in any position will be a big necessity for work opportunities. Having such skills will help decrease preventable problems caused by miscommunication. It’s not all about words; you need to pay attention to body language, attitude, and tone, as these make a difference in what you say and how another hears it. This will make a difficult situation much less of a struggle for everyone involved.
When you communicate, be clear and straight to the point. Be mindful of how you come across and seek to iron out any misunderstandings before they take root. Use the proper channels, whether through in-person discussions, virtual meetings, or even a text, to get your message across in the best manner.
Express your feelings
With change comes many kinds of emotions, which can often be unpleasant. You might find yourself suppressing these feelings and channeling them into activities like work or interpreting them differently. But not allowing yourself to acknowledge the pressures you’re facing and expressing how they make you feel can make you feel worse in an already challenging period of change.
If the chaos or stress of organizational change weighs down on you, it’s always best to let yourself feel these emotions and talk to someone about what you’re going through. It could be a supervisor, a colleague, a friend outside of your organization, or your family — leaning on someone you can trust and rely on for help can help you process everything that’s going on. Soon enough, you will be equipped with a better state of mind to handle whatever is thrown your way.
Organizational change is tough for everybody, leaders and employees alike. What is important is that measures are taken — whether on your own or through the company itself — to make the experience as seamless as possible for everyone. For more career guidance, reach out to us at K&G Career Academy to know how you can advance even further as a professional to get you one step closer to your dreams.
Written by Beatrice Jessica