Looking after your self during restructure

Looking after your self during restructure

Restructures are all too common in the workplace.  During a transition many people find themselves feeling stressed which takes a toll as time goes on.  Stress can impact our work performance, personal lives and physical and mental well being.  If the change is a long-term project, employees can come out at the other end feeling drained and depleted. 

 

There are many ways to stay refreshed and vital during organizational change. Successful organizational transition is a result of a concerted team effort. So this is an important time to take care of yourself and make sure you maintain a level of optimism and commitment to staying healthy and positive.  Here are some tips to remember when dealing with change at work:

Eat well, exercise and drink water - This may seem like an obvious tip but many people report that after a restructure they have worked long hours and neglected spending time on the things that make them feel good about themselves.

 

Self Talk – You are what you think.  Be conscious of what you think and stop yourself from having negative thoughts.  Focus on your strengths, skills, capabilities and achievements.  At the end of the week, instead of worrying about what hasn’t been done, switch to focusing on how much you have achieved.

 Be positive – Adjust your attitude to notice the positive things around you.  See the positive in situations and people.  If you find yourself being dragged into negative conversations, make an effort to avoid these situations and people who tend to “bring you down”.

 Be prepared for change – Change is becoming the norm for today’s organizations.  Increased competition means that many companies are forced to change quickly in order to survive.  So, instead of fearing change or resisting it - you can choose to prepare yourself mentally for the inevitable changes that are likely to occur.

Focus on what you can control – When we focus on what we can control, we tend to derive more satisfaction and a sense of achievement.  If you find yourself focusing on things you can’t control (like how long a transition is taking and how it may impact on your role), try to switch to focusing on things at work you can control.  Items within your control may include individual projects, a tidy workspace, building relationships within your team and maintaining a positive attitude at work.

 

Maintain your productivity – Often during a transition, productivity can dip as people wonder, “What’s the point, will I even have a job tomorrow?”  Maintaining a motivated attitude to your work helps to build self-esteem and a sense of purpose.   You can also build your value to the company by showing your commitment to doing a great job, even through tough times.