No matter where you work, the size of your team, or the state of your company, change is inevitable. It creeps its way into all of our lives - Sometimes at a larger capacity and sometimes at an almost unnoticeable rate. And, depending on your personality type, you either love change and uncertainty, or you loathe it. Changes at work can definitely be daunting and intimidating as often you are not the one in control and another has power over your position. This is another inevitable fact of life - there will always be someone with power over your head in business. Even C-Level Executives have investors, other C-Level co-workers and owners watching their move and breathing down their neck with absolute power over their career. It’s inescapable for those of us in business and it’s something we must come to terms with as we grow and shift in our careers. Change is inevitable - It’s how you deal with the change that is given to you that is more malleable. Check out some helpful tips on how to deal with changes at work…

Attitude is EVERYTHING

Whether you’re expecting the changes or not, your attitude is everything in regards to how this change affects you. To every professional change is a silver lining - Sometimes that lining is harder to find, yes, but being able to adjust your attitude and live a professional life with an open mind will make changes that much easier to deal with moving forward. Especially now, with COVID-19 knocking on our back door, we’re all lucky to even be employed - So, don’t sweat the small stuff. Dealing with the change and being employed is a gift as millions of our peers, co-workers, friends, and family are filing for unemployment…

It’s All Psychological to Me

Did you know that there’s a psychological method to dealing with change? If you’re a believer in psychology and science, you’ll want to listen up. Psycom has a great blog on the topic of resilience and how to get to that point after changes at work. Here’s a quick quote:

“Many people spend a great deal of time and energy trying to avoid change, but it will inevitably catch up to them. If you can learn to cope with change, you’ll lower your risk for anxiety and depression. Your relationships will flourish, and your body will feel healthier. But if you can’t cope with change, only a minor amount of stress can make you feel overwhelmed by life. You might also struggle to set and meet the goals you have for yourself.”

“Being able to cope with change is sometimes called resilience. Though your environment and genes might influence your level of resilience, the amount isn’t set in stone. Practicing different ways of thinking and being in the world can boost your ability to deal with change and help you create a life that is adaptive to new places and unexpected events.”

Read more on how to find your resilience from Psycom here.

Communication is Key

Changes at work typically involve some sort of expansion, re-organization, or power change and when that happens, you must communicate with those around you. Whether it’s your superior, your team, HR - Someone needs to be that source of communication for you and oftentimes it’s up to you to find out whom that person might be. Make it a priority to express any gratitude, concerns, next steps, or advice. Be open, be honest, be available. Your team is with you through the changes and odds are if you’re feeling worried, excited, or concerned - your team is feeling it too! Stick together and make the most of any situation thrown your way.

Find a Reason to LAUGH!

Listen, we understand we are in the midst of some very un-funny times and with that being said, it’s important to find that reason to laugh or smile. Whether it’s taking an evening to watch that funny movie or calling up a friend - Making light of a situation, no matter the gravity can help ease the tension and stress. In fact, according to a Harvard Business Review article, “pioneering humor researcher Rod A. Martin, who has studied the effects of different styles of humor, has found that witty banter, or “affiliative humor,” can lighten the mood and improve social interaction. Just make sure it’s inclusive and respectful. A good rule of thumb is that other people’s strife is no laughing matter, but your own struggles can be a source of comedic gold.” Great words to live by in this trying, changing, and uncertain times.

Take it in Stride

Oftentimes when we are faced with uncertainty and stress we tend to compile it onto a mountain of “now, now nows” and not take things in stride. If your duties change, your team grows or shrinks, your company moves you around - Whatever it may be...Take it in stride. Day by day...Not all at once or you’ll very easily go from swimming to sinking. Break it down. Take it priority by priority. Take your time trying to find a new routine and don’t get yourself stressed before you really have anything to stress over!

The way you approach change can literally change your life! It’s all about perspective. Take it as a fact of life and expect it - No matter the gravity. Be optimistic, open to learn and grow, and take it day by day. If you do those things, we think you’ll be able to find success...What do you think is the best way to deal with unexpected change? Let us know...