Embracing Change: Staying Resilient at Work During Times of Reorganization
In today's fast-paced business environment, change is inevitable. Organizations often undergo periods of reorganization or restructuring to adapt to evolving markets and stay competitive. While these changes can create uncertainty and anxiety among employees, staying resilient during such times is crucial for personal growth and career advancement. Walk with us as we unpack strategies to help you embrace change, maintain your composure, and thrive during times of reorganization or restructuring.
1. Acknowledge and Accept Emotions
In times of uncertainty, it is normal to experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and even frustration. The first step to staying resilient is to acknowledge these emotions and accept that they are a natural response to change. Take the time to reflect on your feelings, and don't hesitate to discuss them with trusted colleagues, friends, or family members. Sharing your concerns can help alleviate stress and provide valuable perspectives.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
During periods of reorganization, there will be aspects beyond your control. Instead of dwelling on the uncertainty, channel your energy into things you can control. Concentrate on your daily tasks, set short-term goals, and maintain a positive attitude. By focusing on the controllable factors, you can regain a sense of stability and productivity, which will contribute to your resilience.
3. Stay Informed and Seek Clarity
Information is power during times of change. Stay informed about the reorganization process, changes in roles, and the company's strategic direction. Seek clarity from your superiors or HR representatives if you have any doubts or questions. Understanding the rationale behind the restructuring can help ease your concerns and enable you to align your personal goals with the organization's objectives. Managers, this is especially crucial for you. Your team will be looking to you for answers. Think about when turbulence hits a plane. The passengers are looking to the flight attendants to see how they're reacting to the bumps. When the flight attendants are calm and communicative about what’s happening around them, the passengers start to imitate their behavior by calming down, and they feel more in control when they have an idea of what is causing the bumps.
4. Cultivate Adaptability
Resilience is closely tied to adaptability. Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning new skills and taking on different responsibilities. Embracing change as an opportunity for growth can make you more valuable to the organization and boost your confidence during challenging times. This doesn’t mean that you should do the jobs of ten different people, but it might be a way to expand your skill set in certain areas of the business. Managers, always be cognizant of the workload your team is carrying, ensuring each member feels supported, encouraged, and prepared to take on additional responsibilities during these transition periods.
5. Nurture Your Support Network
During times of reorganization, it's essential to lean on your support network. Connect with colleagues who are experiencing similar challenges and share experiences and coping strategies. Engage in open and honest conversations with your team, as working together and supporting each other can create a positive and resilient work environment.
6. Focus on Self-Care
Maintaining resilience requires taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Ensure you get enough rest, eat well, and engage in regular exercise. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as mindfulness exercises, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy. Self-care enhances your ability to cope with uncertainty and stress effectively. We know we know, sometimes these things seem like a luxury due to the hustle and bustle of life. But, they are essential to your overall well-being both inside and outside of work.
7. Seek New Opportunities within Your Organization
While reorganization can be unsettling, it can also bring forth new opportunities. Keep an eye out for roles or projects that align with your skills and interests. Express your willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities, demonstrating your adaptability and commitment to the organization's success. Managers, be open to these requests from your employees. While it might be less daunting to keep everyone in their respective silos, it’s never a bad idea to hear out the desires of those who report to you and how your organization might be able to help them branch out and investigate new projects and focus areas. Especially in early career talent, allowing horizontal mobility across sectors, in addition to upward mobility, will help retain those high-potential employees.
Staying resilient during times of reorganization or restructuring is a skill that can positively impact your career trajectory, as well as that of your team. By acknowledging emotions, focusing on what you can control, staying informed, nurturing your support network, and focusing on self-care, you can navigate through uncertainty with confidence and composure. Embrace change as a chance to grow and thrive, and remember that resilience is a quality that can be honed and strengthened over time, benefiting both your personal and professional life.