How to Embrace Change in the Workplace 



Change in the workplace is inevitable.  With continuous shifts in technology, market trends, and processes, it becomes ever more important for employers and employees to learn how to react and embrace change.
 

Change is critical for any organization to stay alive, thrive, and keep up with competition. But the only true way to experience success in the midst of change is through employers and employees coming together to communicate.
 

There are numerous benefits of having an open mind throughout periods of change - so don’t let fear bog you down! When it comes time for change, try to view it as a growth opportunity because it's easier than facing a painful hurdle. Make the change work for you.
 

The positive aspects of change for employees:
 

• If you let it, change can expand your opportunities by leaps and bounds. Change can provide you with the opportunity to increase your skill set and develop both professionally and personally.
 

• Now, more than ever, companies are requiring more out of their employees. This can sometimes blur the lines between work-life and personal-life. To combat this, many employers are adapting by giving their employees the flexibility necessary to uphold their work-life apart from their personal-life. For example, flexible work hours or the opportunity to work remotely. Figure out what works best for!
 

• I said it before and I will say it again - change is inevitable.  Having an open-mind can help you adapt quickly to any changing scenario with ease.
The positive aspects of change for employers:
 

• The ability to accept, maintain, and manage a fluid work environment will help your company to show your employees how important it is to continuously grow and adapt to succeed.
 

• Having a flexible management approach can spur healthy discussions with employees. If you can make employees feel empowered during times of change by listening and valuing their opinions you will build trust and commitment that will help to retain your most talented individuals.
 

• Employers that embrace change tend to be more welcoming to innovation.  Employees who feel empowered and comfortable are most likely to bring forth new ideas which many times foster business growth.
 

Although the notion of change may push you out of your comfort zone, know that you are contributing to the growth of yourself both personally and professionally.  

Article Source: http://www.selectonellc.com/blog/how-to-embrace-change-in-the-workplace
Image Source: http://www.youtodesign.com/uploads/allimg/1501/3397.jpg 

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. inevitable (adj) - certain to happen unavoidable
2. thrive (v) - prosper flourish
3. midst (preposition) - in the middle of
4. bog you (someone) down (verb phrase) - to sink in or as if in a bog
5. by leaps and bounds (idiom) - Rapidly, or in fast progress

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Why should there be changes?
2. Please explain: “change is the only constant in life” by Heraclitus.
3. How do you usually deal with all the changes that happen in your life?
4. How much have you changed since you were in university?
5. What was the biggest change you enｃountered in the past year? Discuss your answer.