How To Cope in Times of Challenge?
A classic survey* showed that employees across multiple generations developed similar strategies for coping with the challenges of a changing workplace. If you are in an organization that is undergoing significant difficulties, these coping strategies are relevant to you as a manager as well.
The coping strategies include the following:
Stay Positive!
A positive attitude is the number one coping mechanism to deal with the uncertainty of difficult times. Focus on what is positive in your environment. This will allow you to stay focused and motivated even under the threat of a downsizing or change in your position responsibilities
Invest in Your Continuous Self-Improvement!
Find opportunities to enhance your personal and professional growth as you face uncertainty. This includes taking on a broader set of responsibilities, obtaining new skills, and furthering your education. All of these actions will give you more options should you have to seek work opportunities elsewhere.
Find a Way to Stand Out From the Crowd!
Find ways to become a key player in your company’s future success. This is another way to broaden your own options as you show your value to your company or industry. This includes focusing on innovation, superior work performance, and self-development.
Take Care of Yourself!
Maintain a healthy physical condition. Manage stress effectively and keep your employment options open. Doing this will allow you to position yourself for the inevitable turnaround that will come after difficult times.
Finally, regarding your employees, keep in mind that when the financial future of a firm is uncertain, people across your organization will operate in a survival mode. They will watch every move that your organization makes to assess their own future actions. This includes your employees.
As your employees position themselves for a future turnaround, two criteria are important for you if you want to retain their loyalty. First, employees in general want to work for organizations that care about their employees as much as the organizations care for their customers. Second, employees want to work for managers and leaders that create a collaborative work environment with clear communication about the organization’s vision for the future and its workplace expectations. The more you are able to do these things for your employees, the better your chances will be in retaining their loyalty.
Four things you can do to cope with difficult times are to stay positive, invest in your own development, find a way to stand out from the crowd, and take care of yourself. Share on X*Our World of Work Survey conducted by Randstad
This article is accurate to the best of the author’s knowledge.
Content is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional advice in business, management, legal, or human resource matters.
