How to Tackle Change Fatigue in the Workplace
In my previous blog, I discussed the meaning of ‘change fatigue.’
As a recap, change fatigue results when employees are bombarded with constant change, or a chaotic environment that lacks structure and direction.
COVID-19 created an ever-changing environment with numerous variables leading to higher chances of experiencing change fatigue.
So, if you notice your colleagues aren’t working at their regular capacity, how can you tackle change fatigue and take action to address and improve their mental health?
Here are some recommended steps to take:
Review changes regularly
Your team will find it much easier to process change in small bits – taking it all in at once can be extremely overwhelming for them.
If you break the change down into smaller tasks, it’ll let them fully process the change without getting overwhelmed or simply forgetting about the new changes.
Prioritise change initiatives
Create a list of pressing changes and arrange them in order of importance.
When you begin to separate all the variables, you can assign timelines for each, making the process of implementing each one much less daunting.
If you’re responsible for delivering the news about change to your teammates, break it up and deliver separate messages on separate occasions.
Delivering the news all at once will only overwhelm your teammates, and it’s your job as a manager to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible while embracing change.
How clear is it, to your people, where you are headed and why? Photo Glenn Carstens-Peters Unsplash
Create a roadmap
Some people can find change difficult to conceptualise.
Roadmaps are a reference point for change - essentially acting as a hub that not only displays change but also represents how you and your teammates can collectively work towards the goal that encompasses the change.
A solid roadmap helps your team visualise initiatives or high-level efforts into which they need to invest time.
Roadmaps can also act as a presentation tool for executives or internal teammates who need to conceptualise the change from a strategy standpoint.
Improve internal communication
Change fatigue often results from employees not having enough notice or opportunity to process change before it happens.
Improving internal communication is the number one way to combat this issue.
Ask for transparency
When an open and honest environment is prioritised at work, it becomes much easier for everyone to speak up. Cultivate an environment of Psychological Safety.
Explain ‘the why’ behind the change
One of the most stressful elements of change is the unknown.
If you remove any uncertainties that come with change then your colleagues will feel more at ease, or even more inclined to embrace the change.
Track progress
Tracking progress is essential not only because it helps your team gauge success, but also enables everyone to see how far you’ve all come.
Look out for my next blogs in this series “The importance of tackling change fatigue in the workplace,” and “The benefits of tackling change fatigue in the workplace.”
If you’d like to explore the subject of change fatigue more deeply, please contact me via Email: russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.