Relocation Strategies
Menu
How to reduce employee stress when the workplace changes
 

How to reduce employee stress when the workplace changes

Imagine for a moment that Mary is working for a company who has just instituted a hybrid work policy where she works in the office part of the week and at home the rest of the week. The policy is completely different than anything the organization has ever done; before COVID, everyone worked in the office full-time. While a welcome change, it’s taken a bit of time to navigate how to collaborate and work within Mary’s department, as well as, learning some of the new virtual tools she’s using. Plus, the communication from the company regarding changes has been vague and scattered. 

In addition to this new policy, the company has announced they are downsizing and relocating the company (over 150 people) to the other side of town. Mary is still trying to figure out how to collaborate with others in this new hybrid environment, as well as, navigating childcare and now she’s going to have to figure that out while moving to a new office. Mary isn’t sure how she can be most productive or what this move is going to look like. It’s bringing on a lot of stress and anxiety that she doesn’t need, on top of everything else. 

If you’ve had a similar experience or are navigating a lot of workplace change right now, you are NOT alone. Many organizations are experiencing quite a bit of change right now. What they are also experiencing are staff choosing to leave because they don’t feel like they have what they need to be successful, the company didn’t communicate well, or they simply didn’t like their boss. 

Change management is critical to relieving stress and anxiety for employees. It’s natural for staff to be worried and anxious about change, and it’s imperative companies help by providing effective change management so they know what to expect.

Change management isn’t just the process of getting staff from point A to point B. It’s a messy blend of movement, including mapped-out communication of events, inventorying your space, vacating your current space, moving to a new space with new or existing furniture, and everything in between. It’s answering all of the questions, as well as, anticipating anything that will occur:

  • Where will my desk be?
  • How will I get set up on the network?
  • What’s the new security protocol?
  • How to schedule a conference room?
  • How will we know when we can use our desk if we’re sharing? 
  • Where will my department be located?
  • Am I able to keep my favorite desk chair?
  • Is there a convenience store by the new office?
  • Where will I grab lunch if I didn’t bring one?

…and so much more. 

Now imagine Mary at the same organization, instead, her company had mapped out communications about the relocation that included answers to all your questions and more:

  • When the change is going to happen;
  • What Mary can expect in the coming months, with specific milestones; 
  • New seating arrangements and furniture updates; and
  • Everything in between regarding the new space.

Mary immediately has a clear understanding of what will happen, when it will happen, and what to expect. The change, while normally drastic, doesn’t seem as overwhelming. She’s able to focus on her work and communicate with her team instead of worrying about how the office will change and how that will impact her. 

In light of what people are calling the “Great Resignation”, companies are treating their employees like liquid gold right now and doing everything they can to retain talent. If you’re implementing a lot of needed change in your organization, it’s imperative that you create a workplace change management plan that includes specific milestones, communication strategy, roles and responsibilities, and all the details in between. By having a solid plan, you will be able to reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with office change, as well as, keep your employees engaged and productive. 

Whether you’re downsizing or expanding your existing space, your workplace needs to be reimagined and we’ve been helping organizations do exactly that for over 35 years. Our clients were surveyed, after our Workplace Productivity AnalysisⓇ was administered, employee engagement and productivity rose by 25%. Let’s chat more about how we can help you reimagine your workspace.

Contact Us Today To
Set Up a Consultation.

Learn More