NAVSEA IS "WORKING THROUGH CHANGE"
In April of 2002, the Stress Doc
came to NAVSEA and gave employees an opportunity to express their stress-related
reactions to the changes which are occurring in our workplace. Over 150 employees
and managers attended the Stress Doc seminars. Many participants responded that
it was helpful to realize and acknowledge that these reactions are normal and
have a predictable course to run. Having an opportunity to express the feelings
of powerlessness, loss, frustration, fear and anger with others in a safe environment
was a tremendous help to many people. Having a chance to laugh and relax about
these reactions also adds to our overall well being.
We at the Civilian Employee Assistance Program Counseling and Referral Service (CEAP C/RS) have reviewed the artwork created by participants and have analyzed the comments of the participants. It is clear that employees are in one of four stages of the "change process."
These stages are:
Denial
Resistance
Exploration
Commitment
These four stages are typical and common reactions to workplace changes. Employees at all levels of the organization can be in one stage one day, another stage the next day and so forth. There is no way to skip over the process. We must work through the process. The process is neither good, nor bad. It simply exists. The good news is that this is a process that which has a resolution. While we are in the midst of the process we are frustrated, angry, sad, frightened, confused, hopeful and creative. You will learn a great deal about yourself and your co-workers during this process. Remember that they are also going through this inevitable process -- but may be in a different stage.
Another finding following the Stress Doc presentation was that employees were interested in information, skill, and exercises about WHAT TO DO NEXT! Apparently people are sensing the need and or desire to move to the next stage in the change process. In order to do this, it is important to identify the stage in which you are primarily operating. Once this is done, you know where to focus your efforts. It is also important not to get "stuck" in one of the stages. Most commonly people complain that they are stuck in the Resistance stage. It is the most distressing stage of the four.
In order to determine which stage you are in, and/or whether or not you would benefit from attending a WORKING THROUGH CHANGE seminar, please print out and take the attached Personal Change Assessment quiz (page below). There are no right or wrong answers… it’s serves are as a simple tool to help you clarify which stage or phase you are experiencing at the this particular time. If you are in the Resistance stage/phase you should consider coming to the seminar.
If you are a manager or supervisor you will benefit from more clearly understanding what you and your employees may be experiencing. You will be given ideas, options, and strategies on how to assist yourself and others in moving through the process.
For more information on this topic or to schedule an appointment, contact the CEAP C/RS on (202) 433-0087 or outside the local dialing area you may use 1-800-995-9791.