Promoting Psychological Health While Going Through Change

Change within your organization can occur in many ways.

As our society progresses, so does every organization’s need to better address the changing complexity and composition of its employees. These changes can affect a number of aspects of your organization, including diversity, inclusivity, health and wellness, structuring, and technological development.

Today’s employers are typically handling three to four generations of employees concurrently, creating potential challenges in terms of helping all employees transition to new work models or structures. As an organization, it’s vital to support employees and members of the organization through these changes, empowering them to embrace new ways of growing, communicating, and executing tasks.

Preparation for Change

Change within your organization can have a huge impact on employees, both physically and psychologically. Stress for some employees, as well as potential mental health issues, can be triggered by sudden, unplanned developments. Therefore, it’s vital for leaders within your organization to inform employees of any necessary changes.

Proper preparation for change can occur by observing the following steps:

1. Set expectations. Let your employees know what will be expected of them moving forward, including any expectations regarding their new roles, technology, and skill development.

2. Recognize their efforts. Congratulate your employees on the hard work they’ve done within your organization, and let them know that the changes are positive. It may also be helpful to frame the changes as a possible reward for all of the hard work they’ve done.

3. Be specific. Let your employees know exactly what changes will be occurring so that there are no surprises.

4. Break changes into steps. Give your employees the opportunity to adjust to the changes before they take full effect.

5. Listen to, and be open to, feedback. Some employees may have additional difficulties with adjusting to the changes. If this is the case, be open to addressing their concerns and suggestions.

In addition to being properly prepared for change, it’s important to be aware of why changes occur in the first place. Organizational changes can occur as a result of either internal or external factors, which can include company growth, economic factors (e.g., recessions), a shift in company policy, or the appointment of a new C-Suite employee (e.g., CEO).

Conflict Resolution and Prevention

Even when fully prepared, some employees may not welcome the changes and this can ultimately create tension within your organization. Addressing potential conflict early on is key to managing the challenges that arise from necessary changes.

When working through these changes, listening and addressing employee concerns are essential steps to developing trust within your organization. In addition to having your HR department at the ready, all leaders within your organization must be prepared to take stock of any miscommunications or misunderstandings, and offer solutions, whenever possible.

While navigating conflicts, a mediator should be appointed, if possible, in the event that an easy solution is not attainable. Ultimately, your HR department and the leaders within your organization are responsible for supporting employees through any changes and moderating any potential conflict that may occur.

Supporting Psychological Wellness Through Change

For employees with mental health concerns, major changes can elevate anxiety, and in some cases, feel traumatic. In order to decrease the chance of any employee experiencing mental health issues, it’s important to aim your organization’s focus on employee well-being.

To accomplish this, your organization must ensure that all employees transition through the changes safely, both physically and mentally. This assurance will often ensure greater productivity and creativity while working through the transition. By creating a supportive environment, you can help employees feel more confident and secure as they adapt to new changes.

Mental Health Challenges can be Prevented

Approximately 47% of employees in Canada say that their job is the most stressful aspect of their life. In the United States, 25% of employees say the same.

In addition, only about 23% of employees say that they feel comfortable speaking to their employer or HR department about the nature of this stress. In cases of change within the organization, workplace stress can increase significantly.

Preventative measures offer the opportunity for employees to realize their full potential and provide them with motivation to help them attain peak performance. These also include addressing and identifying potential psychological triggers, including whether or not mental stresses and conditions may have worsened as a result of the changes within your organization.

Creating a psychologically safe and healthy work environment and empowering management to debrief is essential for ensuring a smoother transition for all employees, including those who may be working with mental health challenges.

Fostering a Healthy Workplace Through Change

Despite the challenges that some major organizational changes may present, it’s important to make transitions within your organization as the most positive experience possible for employees of all ages and backgrounds.

Maintaining transparency will help all employees prepare and provide additional support for any employees who may need psychological preparation. Your regard for the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of employees, before, during, and after a major transition in your organization can help to ensure a healthy, productive work environment in the future.

References

1. Economy, P. (2015). “5 powerful ways to help your employees cope with change.” Accessed 4 March 2025.

2. Mason, N. (n.d.). “Promoting health and wellness: 7 workplace tips.” Accessed 4 March 2025.

3. Sanfilippo, M. (28 February 2024). “Stressed out! Unrealistic expectations put the pressure on workers.” Accessed 4 March 2025.

4. Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. (30 September 2024). “Helping employees manage change.” Accessed 4 March 2025.