Change is almost inevitable in the healthcare industry. Changes that impact an entire healthcare organization are often announced with little or no notice, causing some to experience fear, panic, anxiety, depression, and more.

The healthcare field can get stressful enough at times but experiencing a major change at your healthcare employer can shoot that stress through the roof.

So how do you adapt to change in your healthcare workplace? How can you make it smoother for yourself and your coworkers?

5 Ways to Cope with Healthcare Organization Change

The good news is there are several steps you can take during a big change in your healthcare organization.

Understand Why Workplace Change Is Happening

When abrupt or fast-moving change happens, it can be stressful for a variety of reasons. But if you acknowledge the reasons it’s happening, the actual transition is generally easier. Though you may not agree with any or all the reasons, by accepting that they are valid to the healthcare organization, puts you in a better mindset to do your job well.

Lean into Organizational Change

The path from resistance to acceptance comes quickly when you have an attitude of anticipation and excitement. Embrace the change as an opportunity–at least when you’re working–to update your work profile. Get involved in new committees or attend new events, even become an influencer, or change driver. When you feel empowered and less anxious or fearful, it shows. Others will notice the difference.

Become a Partner in Workplace Transitions

Once you’ve accepted and leaned into the change, you can take an active role in the changing environment. Are there ways you can become involved with the transition? How can you help others update their workflows to the change? Being helpful and supportive will reflect positively on you by those responsible for implementing any changes.

Use Empathy During Organizational Change

Help coworkers adapt to a changing workplace by understanding the emotions they may be experiencing as it unfolds. Change can be met with an array of emotional responses, not all of them common. It’s important to remember that change is personal with each member of the staff dealing with it independently (even coworkers who exhibit common responses).

Talk About Workplace Change Positively

A smoother transition for everyone, experts say, is found when employees communicate their reactions with an air of positivity. Negative emotions–especially shared negative emotions–can disrupt, delay, or in rare cases postpone major changes. But unless a change negatively affects many organizational stakeholders, it will likely move forward. Therefore, taking a positive stance among coworkers about the change often leads to an easier, faster transition.

Organizational change is never easy. But when the next one comes, you’ll be better prepared by adopting this approach to changes at your healthcare workplace.