Change at work – whether it’s a new manager, new team, restructuring, or a shift in company goals – can be a major source of stress. Even positive changes can create uncertainty, leaving us feeling out of control or wondering how we’ll fit into the new landscape. Today, as part of Stress Awareness Week, let’s talk about managing the stress that comes with workplace change and finding ways to adapt without burning out.
I’ve seen it others and experienced it myself
That familiar feeling of unease when a big change is announced. You’re suddenly left wondering, “What will this mean for me?” or “How am I supposed to adapt to something I didn’t choose?” I’ve found myself overthinking, running through endless “what if” scenarios. But the reality is, change is inevitable, and while we can’t control it, we can control how we respond to it.
Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) highlights that nearly 65% of employees feel stressed by significant workplace changes, with stress levels higher for those who feel uninformed or excluded from decision-making processes. This shows that transparent communication and proactive coping strategies are essential in navigating change without feeling overwhelmed.
How can we manage stress from change?
Here are a few strategies that I’ve found helpful when facing work changes. These may not remove all the stress, but they can make the process a bit smoother:
- Focus on What You Can Control: Identify the areas where you have influence, whether it’s improving your skills or clarifying your role. By focusing on what’s within reach, you’ll feel more grounded. If you really think about it – what really is completely within your control?
- Seek Clarity Early: If you’re unsure about how changes affect you, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Understanding the “why” behind decisions can help ease anxiety and make the change feel more manageable – you’ll know what you’re actually dealing with and how it includes you.
- Stay Flexible: Flexibility is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger the more you practice it. Embrace a growth mindset by seeing change as a chance to adapt and learn – if change was that bad, you’d still be crawling!
- Find Stability in Routine: During times of change, keeping up with daily habits can provide a sense of stability. Something as simple as a regular morning routine or scheduled breaks can help anchor you through uncertainty.
- Lean on Your Support Network: Don’t underestimate the value of colleagues, friends, or mentors. Sometimes, just talking through your concerns can provide perspective and reassurance. You might not find an answer (yet) but it really is powerful to externalise that thinking process and know that it’s not just you – it rarely is.
If change at work has you feeling on edge, know you’re not alone.
Change is a core stressor for everyone, let’s connect and share how we can better support each other through transitions. If you’ve found ways to manage stress from change, I’d love to hear about them. Sometimes, the best solutions come from our shared experiences.
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