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Changes At Work, a struggle or something you embrace?

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Aisling Harrison Blog, Work, Work Life...

We are all subject to change, but whether we struggle with or embrace change is subjective. An area of life where we will be exposed to regular, and sometimes unexpected change, is at work.

Sometimes changes at work are for the better, but not always with immediate effect. Other times, change makes you question if you still want to work somewhere.

When a situation at work changes, are you able to change your perspective also?

DEPARTING COLLEAGUES

“Yes!” – You cannot stand them.
“Who?” – You do not know them well.
“No!” – You consider them a friend, not just a colleague, and them leaving is really going to negatively impact your working life.

Sure, we go to work to work, not hang out with friends. But the people we are surrounded by massively impacts how we enjoy the environment we are in.

There is a difference between bidding farewell to a departing colleague and mourning a friendship. Real friends will keep in touch, and if just one well-liked colleague leaving makes you want to follow suit, it’s probably not the only thing bothering you.

MANAGEMENT RESTRUCTURE

Changes to management are always sensitive times. Again, your reaction to the change in authority will depend on how well-received your previous manager was.

Will they micro-manage or not be hands-on enough?

Are they an external recruit or have they been promoted internally?

Irrespective of if your new manager is new to the company or new to a managerial role, be patient and supportive. It’ll be more of an adjustment for them, so try not to compare them to previous managers and give them the courtesy to develop into the role.

NEW COLLEAGUES

The volume of staff turnover your company experiences is predominantly dependant on its industry and culture.  

When someone new joins the company, especially someone in your department or a decision-maker, your experience at work will change. Perhaps a bit. Perhaps a lot. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes for the worst.

Of course, be patient and considerate, but at any time in your career when you’re introduced to someone new embrace their differences and learn from them. They can provide you with more industry knowledge by sharing their experiences and insights.

INDUSTRY DEMANDS

People going, people joining – employee turnover is inevitable. Where people are concerned, change is always inevitable.

But it isn’t just people that move on. Industries do too; therefore, businesses are forced to adapt alongside the demand and competition.

For a business to change, the roles, responsibilities and duties of its people must too.

For example, Ambitions’ company directors, Mandy Watson and Claire Bishop, will be the first to admit that recruitment is not as easy as it was when their careers launched in the 90s. With increased bureaucracy and red tapes, the role of a recruitment consultant is not the same as it was 10+ years ago.

There are a lot of positions where a worker must regularly adapt and upskill to continue working in it. If not, they'll need to find a new job. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

A change in the work environment can be quite disorientating and distracting for an employee. A building move due to business expansion or renovation is usually considered a positive.

While most employees will enjoy a bigger and attractive workspace, relocating also means a new routine, a new commute, or new parking space!

Even changes to an existing workspace can feel strange. People can feel very territorial when it comes to office rejigs and desk swapping.

It’s unlikely you’ll ever be separated from your team and once you’ve got your teeth stuck into something, you’ll soon forget about your surroundings.

PERSONAL IMPACT

Often change can feel out of your control, but this isn’t necessarily always the case.

Changes within your personal life can also impact your working life.

Health, family and other commitments can alter your perspective at work. Wanting different hours, desiring a pay increase or exploring a different role. It’s normal to desire change. To want more responsibility at work or to work less to focus on other things.

The saying “don’t ask, don’t get” may feel relevant in this situation, but it’s important to consider if your demands are reasonable before you voice them to a manager.

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Change can be permanent but the feeling it gives you isn't.