When your business is experiencing organizational change, it's easy to overlook the human element. While leaders focus on logistics, policies, and re-education, the emotional responses of individuals experiencing these changes are often neglected. One such emotional issue that demands our attention during times of change is grief.
Grief, often associated with profound loss, is not usually linked with the workplace. However, any alteration in the professional fabric disrupts routines, and many find solace and security in their routines. Whether the change is perceived as positive or negative, the very act of disruption can evoke feelings of sorrow, suffering, and distress.
Identifying grief in the context of workplace change is imperative. Employees navigating this emotional terrain may exhibit signs of feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their surroundings. The usual markers of productivity may wane, focus might become elusive, and memory lapses become more frequent. The grieving process itself, marked by stages of denial, anger, sadness, and acceptance, unfolds uniquely for everyone, adding additional layers of intricacy.
The Nuances of Grief in the Workplace
Consider a scenario where an employee, deserving of a promotion, is catapulted into a higher role with increased responsibilities and a fatter paycheck. While this may be seen as a positive transformation, they may simultaneously grapple with the grief of leaving behind familiar colleagues and the comfort of a well-defined role. Even assuming a managerial position, a significant step forward, may come with an unexpected sense of loss as the individual navigates the shift from peer to leader.
The nuances of grief become more pronounced in scenarios where employees are required to fill the shoes of a colleague undergoing medical leave or hospice care. Despite the unpredictable outcomes associated with such situations, cultural associations often tether them to a sense of finality or uncertainty, adding a layer of complexity to the grief experienced.
How to Support Employees Grappling with Grief
To support employees grappling with grief amid major change, supervisors must move beyond the conventional toolkit of employee management. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the situation, supervisors should open and/or highlight channels for transparent communication. Seeking guidance through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) is a strategic necessity. Supervisors can collaborate with EAP clinicians to facilitate group discussions, providing a safe space for employees to express their feelings about the impending change and collectively identify positive coping mechanisms.
During times of widespread organizational transformations, the mental and emotional well-being of employees is not a peripheral concern but a central pillar of a resilient, adaptive workforce. The importance of recognizing grief during change extends beyond mere empathy; it underscores a commitment to cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes the holistic welfare of its members.
Navigating the Complex Terrain of Grief
As supervisors navigate this intricate terrain, they must remain vigilant. Employees exhibiting signs of prolonged distress should be encouraged to leverage confidential EAP services, available around the clock. This is a prime example of when a robust, Full-Service EAP solution is much more effective than an embedded one. In cases where performance deterioration persists, supervisors may choose a formal referral to EAP, ensuring that tailored support is extended to the employee in need. Moreover, ensuring that your EAP or other well-being benefits options offer solutions that address employee needs immediately, rather than requiring a referral and suffering through a long waiting period for appointments is key. Beyond traditional EAP solutions, one approach can be especially effective during times of transition and/or organizational change: workplace coaching. Workplace coaching services like life coaching and management or executive coaching can be extremely helpful in assisting team members in adjusting to new roles, responsibilities, or changes.
The Final Word on Grief & Change in the Workplace
Understanding and addressing grief as an integral aspect of workplace change isn't just a humane approach; it's a strategic imperative. Organizations that recognize and respond to the emotional nuances of change foster a healthier, more resilient culture, ensuring that their most valuable asset—their employees—navigate transitions with resilience, empathy, and a collective sense of purpose.
Tag(s):
Employee Resilience
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Employee retention
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Mental Health
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Stress Management
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Management
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Grief
