The world of work is constantly changing, and employees are overwhelmed. Research from LinkedIn found 64% of professionals are overwhelmed by the fast pace of work changes, 49% fear falling behind, and 68% are seeking more support than ever.
According to the research, the most challenging areas for workers experiencing changes include:
- Proving successful remote work
- Using AI
- Managing multi-generational teams
While employees are overwhelmed with their job functions, understanding office etiquette also poses a challenge. Fifty-one percent of U.S. and Canadian hiring managers say it’s confusing for employees to know acceptable workplace etiquette because it has changed so much, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
As employees seek support, change management strategies can inspire confidence and prepare workers to succeed. Change management creates a mutual understanding of why and how processes or procedures change. Use these methods to encourage employees as they adapt to the evolving work landscape.
Communication
Helping employees understand why change is necessary and what it will look like is critical to change management. Communicating factors that contribute to decision-making, leaders’ involvement and processes, and a well-thought-out plan can ease worries. Keeping everyone informed as new plans are implemented and updated can help create buy-in and demonstrate that the best outcomes are being prioritized. Also communicate what will stay the same to ease the worries of those likely to resist change.
Resilience
As you lead your team in responding to or anticipating disruptions, exemplify resilience to cope with changes. Inspire resilience by offering training, hearing employee concerns, and remaining agile when new processes fall short.
Reassurance
Change isn’t always a positive experience for everyone, but it may be unavoidable. Show appreciation for employees who are embracing change, but don’t ignore those struggling to adapt. Check in regularly with employees resisting change and recognize even small efforts shown by them to engage with change.
Change is the only constant. Preparing to respond to workplace disruptions, ease employees’ feelings of being overwhelmed, and support your workforce to overcome challenges can make responding to change more productive and efficient.
To provide accurate and timely employment forecasts for business leaders, Express Employment Professionals commissions an ongoing Job Insights survey to track employment and hiring trends across a wide range of industries.
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, 2023, among 1,007 U.S. hiring decision-makers. The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, 2023, among 504 Canadian hiring decision-makers.
