Navigating Workplace Changes and Their Impact
Eleanor Hecks
April 7, 2025
Both at a governmental and organizational level, policy and regulatory changes have a big impact. When national or local laws change, or when an organization’s structure shifts, local workplaces are impacted. Since sweeping changes happen every few years, business leaders should prepare to pivot — and support their staff. In uncertain times, their team members will look to them for reassurance.
How the Workplace Deals With Big Changes
A Gallup survey revealed most workplaces undergo significant change. In the United States, 70% of workers reported disruptive change within their organization in 2023 alone. Interestingly, their feelings about management influenced their reactions. Those who strongly agreed they trusted their leadership were 4.5 times more likely to remain engaged.
Although policy changes at the government level are more impactful than those happening internally, addressing them is just as easy. Disruption is a normal part of any industry. However, leaders do not have to accept its negative consequences. If they refocus and keep a level head, they can overcome almost any operational obstacle.
Your Role in Navigating Uncertain Times
Your staff may be fearful about what various changes mean for their careers and personal lives. Whether you are dealing with budget-related restructuring or new retirement account tax laws, change can be daunting. However, it is your job to keep their heads and spirits up, fostering a positive, resilient workplace culture.
How you respond to uncertainty impacts your employees. According to the Gallup Group, around 70% of employee engagement is directly traced back to their immediate supervisor or closest leader. As inevitable as pessimism may feel, optimism is key to keeping your team moving forward.
Showing up for Staff When Times Get Tough
Show up for your employees when times get tough. Here are several ways you can inspire resilience:
Future-Proof Your Timeline
A 2023 PWC survey revealed 84% of organizations have discussed the importance of rebounding from economic and social challenges. To make it through trying times, managers must brainstorm possible solutions for potential issues the company may encounter.
Weather the storm of change by identifying where you want the business to be five, 10 and 20 years from now. Instead of focusing on current uncertainty, determine what it will take to reach your goals. Future-proof those goals by developing backup plans, which enable you to pivot if you run into unexpected obstacles.
Connect With Team Members
How does your staff feel about the state of things? As their leader, you can become a reliable guiding force for them. Having an unshakeable presence while empathizing with them proves it is possible to keep showing up. Conducting yourself with transparency, authenticity and reliability will help manage your teams’ worries.
Develop In-House Resources
Develop in-house resources to improve mental health, productivity and company morale during trying times. You could host wellness events, offer mental health services or plan a company retreat to strengthen team bonding. Forbes recommends organizations partner with schools to create positive, long-lasting change at the local level. Through funding or volunteer work, you can empower your community, generate goodwill with locals and increase job satisfaction.
Facilitate an Open Dialogue
Keep your team members informed, foster curiosity and encourage healthy debates. Provide space for them to ask questions, vent frustrations and explore solutions. This dialogue can help you find creative ways to navigate emerging challenges while fostering safety and community in your workplace culture.
The Reality of Leading Through Uncertainty
Even when uncertain, you must keep showing up for your staff. Whether you are in charge of a small workforce or a large team, it is your job to run a tight ship. You may not be used to navigating choppy waters now, but you will get better at it in time. Let your confidence inspire resilience.
Eleanor Hecks is Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine and a frequent contributor to the Momentum blog.
