Change in the Workplace
This is a time of uncertainty. There is much happening in the world around us. The stress of this uncertainty, and being thrust into change that is not of our choosing creates some feelings of loss. Oft times we do not equate loss in the workplace with losses such as the death of a loved one. Though not as intense, the feelings and stages of grief are similar. Everyone grieves in his/her own way and at his/her own pace. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. But, grieving is a natural process that has some predictable similarities. Understanding these stages helps us to get through them successfully.
Grief
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Workplace Change
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- Denial- try to protect ourselves from loss by blocking it out. “this is just a bad dream”.
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- Denial-employees believe that the change won’t really happen. They (management) are just trying to scare us.
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- Anger-looking for something or someone to blame. An unexpected feeling for the grieving person.
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- Anger/Resistance-when other coping doesn’t work; people revert to anger and passive resistance to express their frustration. When done in a healthy way, it allows employees to vent their feelings.
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- Bargaining-making promises to negate the loss that has already occurred. I’ll do anything, just to have them back.
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- Bargaining-in order to avoid the change, employees bargain and offer deals to keep things the way they are. Belief is that the old way is better and safer.
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- Sadness/Loneliness-natural expression of the pain due to the loss. Many tears, sometimes people appear numb in this stage.
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- Exploration-unlike grief, in this stage, people begin to look outward regarding change and its impact. Able to consider a “bigger picture”.
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- Acceptance-loss is a reality. We figure out that we can go on even though we are changed and saddened by the loss.
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- Commitment-employees can cope and become invested in making the change a success.
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If you encounter difficult change, and the above issues cause you distress, contact Mercy EAP @
319-398-6694 Or
1-800-383-6694 and let a professional guide you through the stages of grief
