How to navigate change in your organisation

During the course of your career, you may face varying degrees of change that impact your job including structural change, such as new teams, management and department responsibilities within your organisation, or changes to your company’s strategy, office location or the main systems and technology you use in your day-to-day role.

Major change at work can be stressful and can throw you off course, but adaptability is a crucial skill that will help you to overcome times of uncertainty. Here are five ways to stay on track and continue to thrive in your credit role amidst workplace change:

1. Establish a routine

Whatever routine you’ve found works for you...rely on these habits to give you a degree of stability as you navigate organisational change.

Many people find a routine is important for improving their wellbeing and productivity levels, and there is no better time to establish a sense of structure than during periods of change. Whilst there are likely to be many factors outside of your control when your organisation is going through change, focus on what is in your power and build this into your routine.

You could outline your priorities at the start of each working day and split your time into chunks to achieve the top three most urgent tasks. Ultimately, being organised and managing your time well will stand you in good stead to adjust to change in your workplace, so you avoid becoming distracted or overwhelmed by your shifting surroundings and are still able to carry out your role efficiently.

Whatever routine you’ve found works for you, whether that’s doing specific tasks at certain times or heading out for a walk at lunchtime, rely on these habits to give you a degree of stability as you navigate organisational change.? ?

2. Communicate well

Many worries people have about change in the workplace stem from a fear of the unknown, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about the changes taking place.

Although having open lines of communication with your manager is always important, it is particularly vital during challenging times; a positive rapport with your manager will allow you to turn to them for support if necessary and also work productively as a team as you navigate the new working ways together.

Many worries people have about change in the workplace stem from a fear of the unknown, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about the changes taking place, instead of bottling up any concerns. If you don’t feel your organisation is giving you enough information, speak out rather than waiting for your concerns to build up. The sooner you have all the facts, the sooner you will be able to process what the change means for you.

Even if your manager doesn’t have all the answers, you can still have open and honest conversations about how you feel to find a way to move past any obstacles.

3. Be patient and flexible

Shift your mindset from seeing it as an inconvenience to viewing it as an opportunity to progress, build new relationships and develop your adaptability skills.

It takes time and perseverance to adapt to change, so don’t expect to feel fully adjusted overnight. For example, an organisational restructure will often take several months to materialise, depending on the size of the company, as senior leaders work around any teething issues, so try to be patient and trust that the wait will be worth it.?

Where possible, be flexible and open to new processes and responsibilities. If you’re required to move over to a new work management platform for example, attend the training with an open mind and an enthusiasm to learn. Although you may have gotten comfortable within your team, you must show a willingness to work with new people. In order to respond well to change, shift your mindset from seeing it as an inconvenience to viewing it as an opportunity to progress, build new relationships and develop your adaptability skills.

4. Remember your own needs

Taking care of yourself is even more crucial during times of uncertainty.

Still, it’s important to be clear about your own needs as well as the organisation’s demands of you. Clarify what you enjoy about your role, what aspects of your job you’re eager to hold on to and what makes you want to come into work each day and communicate these priorities with your manager so you can come up with a plan of action together.

Amidst the upheaval that can result from organisational change, don’t lose sight of your personal progression plans. Establish goals that align with your overarching career ambitions and focus on how your organisation can support with your professional development.

As workplace change can be stressful, be sure to dedicate time for your wellbeing and to achieving a positive work-life balance – taking care of yourself is even more crucial during times of uncertainty.

5. Look at the bigger picture

Reflect on how this new chapter could present a fresh start for you to grow your experience and skills and take your career in credit to the next level.

Last but not least, to understand why change might be necessary, it’s beneficial to look at the bigger picture. For instance, consider how a restructure could allow for more innovative ways of working going forward and how it has the potential to improve your company culture, or how a different office location could present a better working environment, new networking opportunities and a chance to grow the organisation and enhance the brand.

Whilst it can be difficult, try to think positively, be open minded and embrace the inevitability of change; reflect on how this new chapter could present a fresh start for you to grow your experience and skills and take your career in credit to the next level.

As featured in the CICM Magazine.