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Extension Focuses for the 21st Century |
How Reorganizations Affect the Survivors
Sometimes it seems like all the attention is paid to those losing their jobs. Although these folks deserve a lot of attention, those remaining are also going through a great deal, too. Those who remain in the organization are also affected by job insecurity and often are left with a feeling of unfairness, stress and fatigue. Sometimes these loyal employees feel undervalued, bitter, and, as a result, hold management responsible for their discomfort. These are normal feelings accompanying workplace change. Here are a few strategies for getting through these transitions:
- Figure out what is actually changing. Some things will remain the same. Get a perspective.
- Decide what is really over for you. What are you going to have to let go of?
- Distinguish between current losses and old wounds. Some feelings are reactions to the present and some are triggered by old wounds and past losses. Sort out which is which.
- Not everything is ending. It is a piece of your life, not the whole, that is coming to an end. Protect and restore the parts of your life that are intact.
- Validate your feelings as normal. Recognize that these feelings will pass.
- Build in time-outs. Retreat from the chaos.
- Take this time to look at your priorities and see if they still make sense to you.
- Look at yourself creatively. Take a new view of your desires, abilities, resources, and temperament and see where they lead you.
- Consider your possibilities in a new light. Break out of the mindset in which everything is just the way it is.
For more information, contact the University of Minnesota Employee Assistance Program at 612-626-0253.
--David W. Johnson, Director
U of MN Employee Assistance Program
Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of
Minnesota Extension.
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