Workplace Wellness
Being well at work, feeling supported and enjoying positive working relationships is vitally important- because, let’s face it- most of us spend a significant portion of our lives at work. We also know that if things are not going well for us at work it can negatively impact on other aspects of our lives, including our health and our relationships with our loved ones.
The post is also for anyone in the workplace who is experiencing stress, or having any workplace difficulties.
Workplaces across Australia (and Internationally) are transforming and changing at a pace like never before. As a result of this the incidence of work-related stress in Australia is high and continuing to rise. Some forward thinking organisations have recognised that if they invest in the wellbeing of their staff, it will pay off with staff being better able to manage all aspects of their role, even when workplace change is on the agenda. The majority of workplaces, however, are still playing catch up and that translates to most of us needing to prioritise stress management techniques to help us through our workdays.
Change and Comfort Zone
Change, or the prospect of change on the horizon is uncomfortable. For most of us we enjoy being in our comfort zone where we know what to expect and we know what we are doing. As soon as that comfort is challenged by the prospect of change in the workplace (or even at home), it can really put us off-balance.
We can start to feel uncomfortable, uncertain and anxious about what the change will mean for us. We often speculate in our minds how things might be in the future, and we dwell on other changes that we have been through and how the upcoming change might be similar to that. All these processes as very normal and to be expected.
However, being in that state of ‘un-knowing’ and ‘uncertainty’ for any length of time is far from conducive to your health and wellbeing, if you don’t implement strategies to assist you to manage.
Change is actually healthy and although it challenges us and creates those thoughts of uncertainty- change can also give us the opportunity to grow and develop as people. When you experience those feelings of discomfort- acknowledge them, allow them to be there (because they are normal), but also try to focus on the good things in your life, the positive things about your workplace, and the many wonderful people you have in your personal life. Trust that whatever happens in the future you will be able to adapt and until then allow yourself to fully engage in what you have here and now.
During times of change, taking care of ourselves- or self-care, is vitally important. It needs to take top priority to allow you have the strength you need to get through whatever change is heading your way.
Ten Tips for Coping on the ‘Rollercoaster of Change’ in the Workplace
Allow yourself to acknowledge that change is inevitable
Reflect on why you are fearful and seek support if needed
Become well-informed- find out as much information about the change as you can
Focus on the positive parts of your workplace or your role- engage with your colleagues in a positive way
Be flexible and embrace change
Be part of the change- volunteer to help steer the change rather than waiting for the change to be ‘imposed’ on you
Communicate in a positive manner- avoid at all costs being drawn into negative conversations that undermine the change process. Instead seek opportunities to provide constructive feedback
Self-care, self-care, self-care- be kind to yourself, treat yourself as you would treat a close friend or relative who is going through a difficult time
During times of change in the workplace, do more of what makes you feel good outside work
Focus on the things you can control and do your job to the best of your ability
Remember Why you do the Work you do
When you are facing difficulties at work- challenges, change or uncertainty it is important to focus on the things that are certain. Many of us waste significant periods of time speculating on what might happen, or dwelling on what has happened previously. This drains your energy and really does not serve anyone well. Instead, it is important to focus on what is happening right now. Seek support if you need to. Remember why you do the work you do. Remember the times that you really have been able to make a difference in someone’s life- remember what it feels like. And outside work, in your personal life focus on the things you love, focus on your loved ones and your passions. Do whatever it is that makes you feel good and do it very often.