How to Deal with Change at Work
- fullifecoaching
- Jan 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Do sudden changes at work freak you out?
From reorgs and acquisitions to new policies and procedures (like having to go back in-office after years of working from home), the list of changes can go on and on... and it can make anyone feel unstable. The reality is, change at work is normal and constant.
So, how can you find comfort during times of workplace change? Here are 5 tips that can help you feel more grounded.
1. Lean into gratitude
Yes, change can be less than ideal. But change also happens for a reason, so take a moment to pause, breathe, and tune into what you’re grateful for in your role. Are there any upsides to this new change?
For example, does going back into the office give you an excuse to wear cute outfits and try new restaurants at lunch? Then, hold on to that gratitude as your anchor until the storm of change calms.
2. Seek out community
Navigating change alone is NOT fun. Find a mentor whom you can lean on for advice, guidance, and a safe ear. Or, create community! Start a lunch club or plan a happy hour to connect with more people. Get together with coworkers for dinner on a weeknight. Connect with other professionals in a similar industry in your area and attend networking events. You might find that other people have found ways to flex and cope with change that can inspire you!
3. Rediscover what you love about your job
While something at work is changing, your passion for what you do at work remains. Brainstorm how you can nurture your professional passions in a new, innovative way. If things are changing anyway, why not make some positive changes in your own role? Once you understand the new vision for your company, pitch ideas to your boss for how you can support that vision. By putting productive energy into a value-add task, you'll create a greater sense of stability for yourself.
4. Focus on the stable parts of your life
If your company has been doing round after round of layoffs, you can’t help but think, “Am I next?” Workplace change is the best time to remind yourself that your corporate job is not the most stable thing about your career: You and your passions are.
Jobs come and go. Entire companies come and go! Your character, your passions, your skills and your talents go with you wherever you find yourself next.
5. Start networking
Speaking of layoffs, now is a good time to build up your professional connections so that if you really are next, you have options. Join groups (either in person or online), build up your LinkedIn connections, ask people you admire for 1-1 chats, and apply for new roles. Yup, you can start looking elsewhere even if you want to stay with your current company for as long as possible! If you get another offer, you’re in a powerful position to negotiate and decide whether to stay or go. Plus, there are no downsides to getting more interview experience!
6. Get support
Your work doesn’t just affect your professional self. It affects your mental and emotional health, too. You deserve a listening ear, whether that be in the form of a friend (if you just need to vent), a therapist (if you’re feeling anxious or depressed), or a career coach (if you need help making career decisions in the midst of all the change).
Ali Goodin
Ali is a certified career coach, former Disney cast member, and creative professional turned career transition expert based in Central Florida. Founder of Ful Life Coaching, Ali helps job seekers, career changers, and growth-minded professionals confidently navigate career transitions. Whether you're pursuing a new role, switching industries, or seeking greater purpose in your work, Ali provides personalized coaching, job search strategy, and resume support to help you build a fulfilling, balanced career at any stage of life.
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