Managing Uncertainty in Times of Change
As we are all aware, UCSF is enduring budget cuts, which will have a significant impact our Campus and Medical Center faculty and staff. Many departments within the University are faced with changes that will significantly influence how we work together in the future to preserve our place as a leading institution” advancing health worldwide”. Successfully managing the uncertainty that accompanies any transformation, we know increases resilience, self - confidence, motivation and productivity.
Transition walks along side of change. The transition process contains a period where uncertainty reigns, as we simultaneously evolve to a new state of solidity, growth, and renewal. While the outcome of this process ultimately moves us forward, adjusting positively can also be challenging to many individuals psychologically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Periods of uncertainty are known to increase levels of stress in some individuals and workgroups going through this experience.
As human beings, we often become attached to our, roles, responsiblities, work group, and historical / current structures within the organization. Reorganization requires thoughtful, hard, and timely decisions. We understand that some employees may fear potential job loss, changes in work responsibilities that can leave one feeling little control over possible outcomes resulting from change. Such circumstances can trigger transient feelings including frusturation, a sense of powerlessness, and anxiety. Expect throughout this transition, a time of letting go of the old ways as you begin to appreciate, embrace, and integrate the new.
Change as we know, is an inevitable part of life. Impermanence is a given. In order to managing change effectively means not fearing or resisting change and challenges, but instead empowering onseself with the necessary skills to navigate through uncertainty. Preparing oneself for inevitable change and understanding the normal range of responses to stress, can help you to feel more confident and leads to sustained /increased organizational performance. Below is a list of normal reactions to change, and some strategies that lead to resilience.
Normal Reactions to Significant Change
• Shock, numbness, and withdrawal
• Fear, and insecurity
• Frustration, resentment, and anger
• Sadness, depression, and guilt
• Unfairness, betrayal, and distrust
• Relief, and optimism, excitement
• Lack of interest in activities
• Unusally quiet
• Preoccupied, unable to focus
• Sarcasm, cynicism
Strategies for Resilience
• Simply acknowledge your current situation, and be aware that normal reactions to the transtional period are to be expected.
• Take charge and plan in advance how you will respond to the changed workplace environment. Prioritize steps that will aid in minimizing your anxiety and stress levels.
• When change occurs, both positive and negative feelings will often emerge often at the same time. It’s important to talk and confide in a few people you trust about current changes and pressures associated with the transition. Don’t isolate yourself with your concerns. Seeking out individuals who have a sense of hope and who can help you strategize about managing your current situation is helpful.
• Seeking out lines of communication. Clear communication and information in times of uncertainty can aid in minimzing stress and anxiety levels. Acknowledging ambiguity and what you don’t know is equally important.
• Develop adaptable coping skills. Examples include excersise even if it’s for thirty minutes a day. Maintaing a schedule such as waking up the same time every morning, or going to bed at a predicatable time. Calm the mind through the practice of yoga, or meditation. Bringing awareness to your present moment can have calming effects.
• Think back to challenging times in your life and draw upon how you coped, managed to get through the transition period successfully, and thrive.
• Develop positive emotions that include gratitude, happiness, compassion towards self and others. Positive emotions increase optimism and resilience.
• Laughter and humor are important tools in times of stress. Laughter can break up seriousness in a conversation and trigger the release of endorphines such as serotonin in your body which helps relieve tension and reduce stress.
• Be proactive. Each individual has the capacity to cope and deal with situations effectively. If you find yourself having a difficult time managing stress (work related or personal) that may be affecting your well-being, please contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program.
FSAP at UCSF provides confidential assessment, counseling, referral, and consultation services that support the well-being of both the individual and the organization.
Please contact us at (415) 476-8279 or visit our HR website at:
FSAP - http://www.ucsfhr.ucsf.edu/assist