Adapting to change in a place usually filled with consistency is difficult, especially when that’s the workplace. Whether it is a change in hours, procedures, or leadership, an unexpected shake-up at the office can leave you dazed and unsure where to start.
According to a Gallup survey, only 31% of the U.S. workforce is actively engaged in the office, meaning others are tuning out and checking out before the work day is even over. One of the biggest causes for employee disengagement today is poor management and communication. If a higher-up implements change without input from its employees or without any understandable reason why, unrest rises.
It is one thing to feel frustrated at having to learn new rule and procedures, and it’s another to not even know why you’re doing it.
Adapting to change quickly requires an awareness of the situation and what to expect going forward. Look inward and ask yourself where you’ve been successful in the past and how you can do the same going forward. Figure out your strengths. Your abilities are not as dependent on your situation as you would believe. Understanding that and taking it to heart can revolutionize your attitude and productivity all the quicker.
Obviously adapting to change is not as easy as checking items off of a to-do list. Often this uncertainty causes unexpected levels of stress. The best thing you can do though is use that anxiety to your advantage. Stress ignites our fight-or-flight system and gets our blood pumping, energizing us. Choose to fight, and this newfound buzz will heighten your senses and productivity.
Of course there is a such a thing as too much stress though. Once it starts to interfere with all areas of your life, you’ll want to do something about it. Those under immense stress often see disruptions in their sleep patterns and appetite as well as their mood at work and at home. But you can S.N.A.P. Out of It! No matter how motivating tight deadlines and performance reviews are, you don’t need to let them overtake your personal happiness. Try to find a balance and make time in your schedule to focus on yourself.