It’s natural to think that change in the workplace is a bad thing. Change can be scary, and disruptive, and it takes us out of our comfort zone. You know… that familiar place we all want to live in forever!
But the truth is that change is a fact of life. It’s inevitable and those who adapt and embrace change are the ones who will continue to thrive.
“We do not make changes for the sake of making them, but we never fail to make a change when it is demonstrated that the new way is better than the old way.” — Henry Ford
Recognizing Change in the Workplace
For those who have been in the same line of work for many years, you’ve seen a lot of change. Whether the change was staff, schedules, or safety, there’ve been drastic shifts in the workplace.
For example, look at all the changes we’ve faced during COVID. Changes that thrust us into Zoom calls, social distancing, and masks.
Remember your first, Zoom, Skype, or Team call and how terrifying it was. The uncertainty of how to sign in or mute your microphone caused the bravest of us to sweat. Now most of us have become masters at these virtual meetings. We even lend cubical support to those who aren’t masters yet!
The point is, that COVID thrust us into change, and we’ve come out the other side of it with new skills. That’s what change can do!
Safety Change in the Workplace
Moving on. Increased focus on safety is another change in the workplace.
Everyone benefits from a workplace that avoids injuries. However, individuals still harp on the fact that “back in the day” there was no safety, and a lot more got done. Well maybe more did get done but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t change our safety culture for the better.
Safety not only keeps workers healthy but also makes good business sense. A negative attitude towards safety will lower morale and hurt the business. What is more, a business that focuses on safety shows they care about their employees.
So, be positive. A change in safety is new and unfamiliar for a very short period of time.
Embracing and Adapting to Change
With all this change how will you adapt?
As mentioned, your attitude toward change in the workplace will directly depend on how you adapt to it.
While your experience holds value, it will only do so if you continue to adapt to change. In all honesty, you can’t move forward if you cling to the “old way” of doing things.
Instead, use your life experiences to embrace workplace changes. This is your opportunity to shine.
When to Change in the Workplace
Yes, change can be scary and disruptive, but it is a necessary part of business today.
Furthermore, we cannot fight or slow down change in the workplace. News stories are published too often about major businesses closing their doors for good. Why? Because they could not adapt to change.
The truth is companies must embrace change to survive. Moreover, their employees must not only accept change but also consider how they can add value to it.
So, stay ahead of change. Try to figure out how you can apply what you have learned from past changes. When you do this, change in the workplace will excite you! And if you let it, change can expand your opportunities by leaps and bounds.
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