How to Deal with Change in the Workplace

By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

Struggling to adapt to change at work? You’re not alone—and there’s good news. The ability to navigate change is a learned skill, and as a keynote speaker who has worked with hundreds of organizations, I’ve seen firsthand how companies and individuals can thrive during transformation.

Why Change Feels Disruptive (and Why That’s Normal)

Change at work is often messy and uncertain—especially during:

• Mergers and acquisitions

• Leadership transitions

• Organizational restructuring

• Industry shifts driven by technology or consumer habits

These scenarios often leave team members wondering:

• “Do I still have a job?”
• “What’s my role in this new structure?”

This confusion leads to pushback. That’s not a failure—it’s human nature. When everything you know feels under attack, your instincts kick in to protect familiar ground.

But here’s the truth:
Nobody implements change to make things worse.

Companies don’t change for the sake of chaos. They change because they have to—often to stay competitive in a fast-moving industry or adapt to evolving customer expectations. Harvard Business Review offers insightful articles on managing these complex transitions.

Organizational restructuring or leadership shifts can create uncertainty across departments. But with the right mindset, these transitions offer growth. According to McKinsey’s research, companies that manage change effectively outperform competitors in engagement and profitability.

How to Emotionally Navigate Change at Work

Step 1: Don’t resist—stay neutral.
Even if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, try to avoid negative reactions. Continue doing your job the best you can and allow the change process to unfold. Leadership will notice your professionalism.

Step 2: Be a team player.
Offer to help. Volunteer to be part of the transition. Ask how you can support new initiatives. Leaders are always watching for people who lean in when times are tough—and those people often become key players in shaping the new direction.

Step 3: Take ownership.
Want to feel empowered during change? Contribute to the solution. When you take responsibility for your role in the future, the unknown becomes less scary—and more exciting.

The Upside of Organizational Change

Here’s what I’ve learned after decades of guiding companies through transformation:

99.5% of the time, the end result of change is more opportunity, more growth, and a better future.

When the dust settles, people who stayed open-minded and flexible are the ones who thrive. They earn leadership’s trust, expand their skill sets, and often advance in their careers faster than expected.

Book Ross Shafer to Speak at Your Next Event

Looking for a keynote speaker who can make your team laugh, think, and evolve? Ross Shafer is a six-time Emmy® winner and corporate culture expert who delivers change management keynotes that resonate—and get results.

Contact us to book Ross and bring transformational insight to your next meeting, conference, or retreat.