How to Adapt to Change in Your Workplace (2022)

According to Deloitte’s European Workforce Survey, 40% of employees found it difficult adapting to COVID-19–related changes in the workplace. While change may be intimidating, it’s inevitable. Businesses either resist change at the risk of going extinct or adapt to change and survive. For example without digital innovation, Apple wouldn’t be where it is today if it had remained only a personal computer company.. It developed the iPod and then diversified again into tablets and mobile phones, making Apple the consumer electronics giant we know it as today. Although the importance of adaptability in the workplace has increased for employers, adjusting to change isn’t a skill that comes easy to everyone. Everyone reacts to change differently, and many of us find that ineffective change management can trigger a range of emotional reactions, from mild discomfort to intense panic or fear.





What to expect in the workplace?
For starters, you’ll find yourself working with a more agile and transparent organization that regards employees as critical stakeholders in a successful business. The millennial generation — the largest and most diverse segment of the US working population — is entering the workforce and bringing a fresh perspective that challenges the status quo. With digital transformation, the workplace is shifting from centralized to decentralized models, where team members collaborate across geographies using social tools. This shift has created a demand for new skills, such as software engineering, coding, and data analytics. You’ll also be working in a more diverse, inclusive, and accepting culture. Employers will be doing more to promote gender equity and racial diversity in the workplace, which may mean that some traditional career paths will disappear. You’ll need to be flexible enough to pivot in your career and find new ways to add value, either within your organization or by finding new opportunities elsewhere.



Be an active listener
Active listening can help you engage more effectively with others and reduce misunderstandings. It’s also a critical part of building strong relationships with your colleagues — both inside and outside your organization. When you listen actively, you’re focusing not just on the words that are being said, but also on the emotions behind them. This can help you respond to people’s needs more effectively and build stronger relationships. Active listening involves three steps: attending to what is being said, understanding its meaning, and evaluating your response. Attend to what is being said - Focus on the person’s words and tone of voice as well as your own thoughts and feelings. Understanding its meaning - Focus on the message behind the words. Evaluate your response - Once you’ve heard what the person has to say, decide how you want to respond.



Confidence is key
While change is inevitable, many people experience it as a threat to their security and autonomy. The most successful people in any industry have the self-confidence to lead others through uncertain times. As a professional, you’re accountable for your actions, and this extends to how adaptable you are in the workplace. When uncertainty hits, you’ll be expected to react calmly and effectively. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some time to regroup and focus on the following techniques: - Break your to-do list into smaller, more manageable tasks - This will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the big picture. - Get enough sleep - Getting enough sleep can help you manage anxiety, stay focused, and have a clearer perspective on your goals. - Stay healthy - Eating well, exercising regularly, and taking care of your mental health are important steps towards staying calm when times are uncertain.



Make sure you’re included in decisions
The best way to adapt to COVID-19–related change while maintaining your autonomy is to stay engaged in decision-making processes. In fact, according to Deloitte’s survey, employees who remain engaged in decision-making tend to be more positive about their role in their organization. Engaging meaningfully in decision-making can be tricky, especially since some leaders don’t always do it well. Stay mindful of the following tips to ensure that you’re included in decisions that impact your work: - Confirm that you understand the decision-making process for your organization — and whether your role in it is clear. - Ask for feedback on your contributions to improve your effectiveness. - Suggest new ways to solve problems and make decisions. - When the decision-making process is unclear, ask your manager to clarify the process and your role in it.



Commit yourself to learning something new
Regardless of the scale of change in your workplace, it’s always a good idea to stay curious and open to new experiences. This will help you keep learning new skills and refining your craft, and it will also help you adapt to change more effectively. As an employee, you have the power to shape the work environment. Even if you’re new to the team, you can start adapting to change now by getting curious about your colleagues and getting involved in discussions: - Ask your colleagues and managers questions about their experiences and challenges to get a better understanding of their roles. - Share your ideas for improving the team’s effectiveness and culture. - Find opportunities to teach others about your skills and experiences.



Conclusion
There’s no such thing as a typical workplace. Organizational cultures vary greatly depending on the industry, the company’s size, and the people who work there. Getting ahead in an ever-changing workplace isn’t easy, but it can be done with a solid foundation of adaptability. To succeed during a period of rapid change, you’ll need to be a proactive learner, an active listener, and a confident decision-maker who commits to learning something new.