The workplace is changing fast — Here’s how to get unstuck

There hasn’t been a time in my professional career when everything was changing so much. AI is rapidly becoming a part of daily tasks for many professionals, hybrid work mandates are constantly evolving, and managing multi-generational teams is becoming the norm. All three are contributing to a workplace that is changing fast.

According to new LinkedIn data, 50% of U.S. professionals are feeling overwhelmed and many (48%) are worried about being left behind. And I understand! It’s a lot of change in a short period of time and no matter where you are in your career, it can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to. There are things you can do — even quick, simple things — to help you navigate change and stay ahead.?

It’s all about finding your forward — one bite-sized step at a time.

Why people feel stuck: Inside the biggest challenges professionals are experiencing in the workplace

In our recent data, almost a third of professionals in the U.S. say the biggest challenge they face is understanding AI tools and how to use them at work. It makes sense why the introduction — and rapid advancement — of AI can be stressful for professionals, especially when it feels like technology is evolving faster than people can keep up. The challenge is not just about learning new tools, but also adjusting mindsets and workflows. Navigating flexible work is also challenging for professionals, particularly as companies continue to evolve their return to office (RTO) mandates. A quarter of professionals say one of their biggest current challenges is proving they can successfully work remotely.

Many professionals feel pressure to demonstrate that they can be just as productive, if not more so, when working from home or remotely. Some feel like they need to overcompensate to prove they are working hard, which can lead to longer hours, higher stress, and potential burnout.?

As the workplace landscape continues to change at lightning speed, professionals know they need to keep up with the changes happening, but 38% of workers in the U.S. say they don’t know where to start.?

Get unstuck and find your forward: How to embrace and navigate change to stay ahead

With so many changes happening simultaneously, it’s no wonder people feel stuck. It’s okay to feel uncertain! You’re not alone and it’s easier than you think, I promise. Adopting a growth mindset and embracing bite-size learning are just a few tips for adapting to all the change and staying ahead:

• Keep up with what people are talking about. With AI and hybrid work constantly changing, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and insights from trusted experts and sources (two great follows are Allie K. Miller for AI and Nick Bloom for hybrid work.) By staying on the pulse, you can prevent feeling overwhelmed, better understand how ongoing developments may impact your daily work and adjust to make more strategic decisions to stay ahead. Keeping up with — and sharing — new knowledge around emerging trends also helps show your value.?

• Adopt a growth mindset. You’ve heard me say it before, but it’s so fundamental to finding success in the current workplace that I want to shout it from a mountaintop: you need to adopt a growth mindset. Approaching change with an open mind and a willingness to learn is a crucial first step. For example, when it comes to AI literacy, your ability is NOT fixed. With a little intention and experimentation, you can learn. My favorite ways to start:

Bring AI into a meeting with you. Use an AI assistant to transcribe the meeting in real time.

Try asking ChatGPT or Copilot to “proof” something you’ve written.?

Summarize a long email thread with Copilot.

And voila! You are using AI and now have examples of how you’ve applied AI to make you more efficient. Another quick tip: get curious.

• Embrace bite-size learning, the minutes will add up! It’s like tidying your house, it can feel daunting if you do it one swoop, but tackling small sections give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to do more. Acquiring new skills and knowledge doesn’t have to take long. In fact, almost half of professionals say short-form video is the format they find most helpful when looking for insights and information. The takeaway: follow people on LinkedIn that you trust or want to learn from like Suzy Welch on the evolution of workplace culture and developing skills needed to be successful. And on the days you have more than 90 seconds, take a quick course on AI. (For those that have already taken an introductory course, and I know there are a bunch, don’t stop there. Keep going!)

The only way to find your forward is to take the first step. Starting small can help break down a daunting challenge into manageable pieces, making progress feel achievable. By adopting a growth mindset, embracing continuous learning, and growing a solid support system, you’ll be well-equipped to face — and overcome — whatever challenges lie ahead.