How To Help Employees Deal With Change In The Workplace

Change, no matter how big or small can have lasting effects on your team. 

Your team is used to working and operating a certain way, and when change comes into play, it can throw off the entire dynamic. 

What may seem like a small change to you or the other leaders can be massive to your team. Therefore, it’s essential to know what to do in times of change to diffuse any issues that may arise while the transition is taking place. 

In our previous article, we discussed 3 ways to encourage team dynamics. This article will also discuss team dynamics but in a time when change in the workplace is happening. 

Communicate The Change

Do not wait or hesitate to announce the change. Once word has gotten around that things are shifting, your team will go into “panic mode” and start focusing more on that change than their actual jobs. It’s important to state the change and be upfront and concise about exactly WHAT is happening. You should have strategic planning goals in place that make the change easier. Explain to your employees the steps in your strategic plan and identify how they will be met. This eases your employees into the transition and allows them to SEE everything going on. 

Reduce Stress And Anxiety

Change can bring out everyone’s biggest fears and anxieties. Along with the communication of the change, let your employees know that you are there for them to discuss their concerns in a one-on-one or team setting. 

You’ve now got shared goals of making it through this transition and continuing to handle the day-to-day workload, so there is bound to be hesitation and anxiety. Letting your employees know that you are there to listen will build their trust and lessen their anxiety during this time. 

Another way to reduce stress is to squash any rumors that you hear immediately. For example, did you ever play telephone as a child? A simple statement about change can turn into a massive issue if left to gossip and rumors.

Be Part Of The Change 

Don’t just tell your team that changes are happening; directly involve yourself in the transition process. This might mean doing something out of your regular duties, but as a leader, it’s important to show your team that you are pitching in and embracing it. 

Embrace The Positives

Be a catalyst of optimism and excitement, pointing out the positive things that come from this new shift and taking the time to share them with each member of your team. Discuss how their roles are affected by this change and what good things will come of it! 

Let MVision Consulting Help With Change In The Workplace

If you are currently struggling to adapt to change or have pending changes coming up in your company, let us help you. At MVision Consulting, we strive to help businesses succeed by guiding them through workshops and coaching sessions. We offer workshops involving strategic planning, change leadership, team dynamics, and more. 

Change is hard, but it doesn’t have to be complex and full of fear. Founder and coach Dr. Marc Camras has the tools, knowledge, and resources to help your team thrive during transitions. Set up your discovery call today to learn more about how we can help!