“Your life gets better by change, not by chance.” – Jim Rohn
This quote by Jim Rohn communicates the importance of change in our lives. If we do not break out of our comfort zones and take action towards improving ourselves, we can’t grow, improve, and evolve. Many people experience fear of change in their lives because they are comfortable with their familiar routines and traditions. The same goes for offices. Many employees are afraid of change in their working environment. They fear that the change might not be a good fit for them. But in this article, we will explore the many ways change can be a good thing and how to help employees embrace it.
Why Change is Crucial
We live in an era of technology, invention and discovery. The world is more connected now than ever before. The internet has allowed for constant access to a wealth of ideas, perspectives, and resources. Regardless of industry, your competitors are more than likely taking advantage of these resources. Modern workforces are now outfitted with faster, more efficient tools and are constantly introducing new ideas for amplifying growth and improving processes.
However, sometimes employees and employers experience fear of change. They do not want to leave their comfort zones, which can ultimately be harmful to the company, as it prevents growth and development. Integrating new technologies, adopting new methods, and using the full scope of available tools can enable organizations to not only compete within their markets, but to accelerate past others and become leaders.
What Causes Fear of Change
Studies suggest that uncertainty about what will happen in the future or when a certain change takes place causes anxiety and fear in humans. Likewise, employee fear stems from uncertainty. For example, the introduction of a new manager can cause confusion and stress. Employees are not familiar with this new person, so they may feel uncertain about how they will treat subordinates or what kind of methods they will use. Employees may also have gotten accustomed to the way their previous manager operated and are concerned about or resistant to a shift in routine.
Employers also fear change, often for identical reasons. Unfamiliarity with new staff and/or managers can lead to anxiety about their performance and work habits. There is a great deal of responsibility and pressure associated with hiring the right person for the job, and getting to know new workers or a new workplace takes time. They can often feel stressed and anxious with groups of people looking to them for direction and leadership, especially when it comes to a change in routine.
Effective Tips for Overcoming Fear of Change in the Workplace
Fear of change in the workplace is normal. People like their routines and time-tested ways of doing things. However, change is a vital and necessary part of virtually any strong workforce. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help yourself and/or your employees embrace change and become more powerful workers and leaders.
1. Acknowledge Your Fears
First of all, it’s okay to admit that you are afraid. What specific changes are worrying you? It may be helpful to discuss these fears with a superior or another employee. Identifying the sources of your workplace anxiety is the first step in overcoming it. If you are an employer, talk to your staff about how they feel about the changes. For example, if you are introducing new software, talk to your employees about any hesitations or confusion they may have. Work through these issues together. In this way, you can customize a software solution that works best for you and your team.
2. Accept the Change
Ultimately, if your company has made an adjustment to its processes, you will need to adapt. This might mean taking extra time to learn something new, participate in training, collaborating in a different way, and changing the way you do things on a day-to-day business. This will inevitably take some time to get used to. As an employer or an employee, try to foster a sense of comradery in your staff; you are all in this together. Work as a team to embrace a new change, and try to create positive associations with it that encourage and motivate others.
3. Ask for Help
If your organization has recently implemented a change, your managers are likely expecting to help employees adapt to this change. If you need help, ask for it. There are probably resources available to you that can help make the change easier. Take advantage of these resources, and don’t try to figure it all out on your own. Talk to your manager and other employees, and ask questions when you need to.
4. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Compartmentalizing can be helpful when it comes to a stressful change. It’s natural to worry, but try not to let it overwhelm you. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, and prioritize making time for relaxation. You might need to set aside some extra time while adapting to a workplace change, but don’t let it take over your life. Your mental health is critical, and if you are exhausted and overworked, you will not perform at your best anyway.
5. Stick With It
Adapting to change takes time. This can be frustrating, especially when you just want to get back to normal. Fortunately, with repetition, learning, a little effort, and some time, you can adapt to virtually any change in your routine. In fact, some studies suggest that it takes about two months to form a new habit. Try to keep in mind that eventually, this change will feel normal, and you’ll be performing your work better, faster, and more efficiently.
A Pro Tip for PTO Tracking Problems for Employers
One change that may be stress-inducing for employers is tracking and managing paid time off (PTO). There are emails to keep track of, paperwork to submit, interruptions to manage, and much more. Fortunately, Time Off Cloud offers the best PTO tracking software on the market to help your organization stay organized, communicate promptly, and generate accurate calculations. Request a free trial of our innovative, automated PTO tracking solution today.
In Conclusion
Change is an inevitable part of life. Changing your frame of mind from fearful and resistant to excited and motivated can be difficult when it comes to change at work. However, taking your time, utilizing your resources, and communicating effectively can make adapting to change much easier and less stressful. Remember that changes at work are ultimately intended to improve the company and help you develop as an employee or manager. It is crucial to continue to learn and evolve as technology constantly shifts and expands business capabilities. Embracing workplace change will help you become a stronger, more productive team member.
