Work is probably a vitally important aspect of your life, whether you’re working part time or full time, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just stepping into your first internship. Our work gives us satisfaction and purpose, and challenges us to grow. We make friends at our jobs and sometimes even gain a sense of camaraderie that can last a lifetime. Not to mention, money earned at work allows us to provide for ourselves and our families.
But sometimes changes occur at our jobs that cause ripples of distress throughout our lives. When you face major changes at work, you’ll likely experience confusion and frustration. Upheaval at work can cause uncertainty at every level of your life. And when there is uncertainty, fear and insecurity are not far behind. After all, when your livelihood is at stake, you’re dealing with some scary stuff.
Try these five tips to deal with shifts happening in your workplace and to manage stress when change at work feels overwhelming.
ACKNOWLEDGE AND DEAL WITH YOUR FEAR – Acknowledge the changes and acknowledge the fears around them. Recognize that things will be different so that you can then manage your feelings. Understand that changes may bring out your fears, and deal with them. Talk about what is troubling you with someone in your support system and how those fears (imagined and real) can be dealt with.
EMBRACE THE CHANGE- Once you’ve acknowledged and dealt with the issues that surround changes at work, you need to adopt a disposition of acceptance. BE POSITIVE!!! Be flexible and open to what is coming. A new VP may be the best thing that’s ever happened to your company. She may see all the value that you bring each day. And if she doesn’t, see this as an opportunity to teach someone about yourself.
COMMUNICATE THROUGHOUT – Sometimes when we go through major shifts, we inadvertently shut off communication. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your co-workers and your supervisors. Be wary of gossip that flies freely when there is uncertainty in an environment. If you have a question or concern, address it respectfully with the source rather than listening to the rumor mills.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF – When there is a high level of stress, it becomes even more important that you take the time to eat right, exercise, and meditate. Do things that make you feel good. Enjoy your family. Participate in your hobby. Take a break from work–don’t even think about or talk about work! Use this time to decompress.
REMEMBER YOUR GOALS – Through the process, keep in mind that although there may be adjustments you may not necessarily agree with, your focus is on your work. Remain focused on your task at hand and your end goals within your organization. Keep a positive attitude. Some of the initial minutiae will get worked out in the end, and you’ll come out better if you keep a positive outlook.
Keep in mind that change will be unavoidable in any workplace. But how we deal with those changes is ultimately up to us. By keeping these tips in mind, you can be ready enjoy the ride. If you are struggling with changes or need further direction, contact Terrie Vanover at yourthrivinglife.net for more information.
Work is probably a vitally important aspect of your life, whether you’re working part time or full time, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just stepping into your first internship. Our work gives us satisfaction and purpose, and challenges us to grow. We make friends at our jobs and sometimes even gain a sense of camaraderie that can last a lifetime. Not to mention, money earned at work allows us to provide for ourselves and our families.
But sometimes changes occur at our jobs that cause ripples of distress throughout our lives. When you face major changes at work, you’ll likely experience confusion and frustration. Upheaval at work can cause uncertainty at every level of your life. And when there is uncertainty, fear and insecurity are not far behind. After all, when your livelihood is at stake, you’re dealing with some scary stuff.
Try these five tips to deal with shifts happening in your workplace and to manage stress when change at work feels overwhelming.
ACKNOWLEDGE AND DEAL WITH YOUR FEAR – Acknowledge the changes and acknowledge the fears around them. Recognize that things will be different so that you can then manage your feelings. Understand that changes may bring out your fears, and deal with them. Talk about what is troubling you with someone in your support system and how those fears (imagined and real) can be dealt with.
EMBRACE THE CHANGE- Once you’ve acknowledged and dealt with the issues that surround changes at work, you need to adopt a disposition of acceptance. BE POSITIVE!!! Be flexible and open to what is coming. A new VP may be the best thing that’s ever happened to your company. She may see all the value that you bring each day. And if she doesn’t, see this as an opportunity to teach someone about yourself.
COMMUNICATE THROUGHOUT – Sometimes when we go through major shifts, we inadvertently shut off communication. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your co-workers and your supervisors. Be wary of gossip that flies freely when there is uncertainty in an environment. If you have a question or concern, address it respectfully with the source rather than listening to the rumor mills.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF – When there is a high level of stress, it becomes even more important that you take the time to eat right, exercise, and meditate. Do things that make you feel good. Enjoy your family. Participate in your hobby. Take a break from work–don’t even think about or talk about work! Use this time to decompress.
REMEMBER YOUR GOALS – Through the process, keep in mind that although there may be adjustments you may not necessarily agree with, your focus is on your work. Remain focused on your task at hand and your end goals within your organization. Keep a positive attitude. Some of the initial minutiae will get worked out in the end, and you’ll come out better if you keep a positive outlook.
Keep in mind that change will be unavoidable in any workplace. But how we deal with those changes is ultimately up to us. By keeping these tips in mind, you can be ready enjoy the ride. If you are struggling with changes or need further direction, contact Terrie Vanover at yourthrivinglife.net for more information.
Hope written in the sand at the beach waves in the background.
