Change is a word to mark something different.
We alter or evolve the current state.
Changes can be small like adding a 5-minute habit to our day.
Or life-altering like losing a loved one, getting a divorce, or losing a job.
These changes can be our choice or the choice of someone else.
When the change happens, we shift to transition.
The process of moving from one state to another.
While change is an event, the transition is psychological.
Depending on the size of the change, we need to move through an emotional process.
When it comes to professional changes, we often use “management”.
Change Management.
The rational movement from point A to point B.
Defining the steps to take to make the change.
What many skip over is the transition.
The emotional and psychological ties to “point A”.
Job Loss Transitions
When a job loss occurs, the rational bases are covered.
Outplacement agencies provide resume, interview, and career coaching services.
The rational steps to move from Point A (prior job) to Point B (a new job).
What is missed is working on the psychological impact.
The emotions that are involved.
The loss of identity.
The hits to all 8 dimensions of wellbeing.
We also underestimate the psychological transition of the teams that remain.
They just lost co-workers and friends. They are mourning. They feel anger.
How are we helping everyone transition through tricky workplace changes?
Your Turn
How have you and those in your close circle been impacted by job loss?
Have you seen the psychological impacts of change in the workplace?
What ideas do you have to manage this?