MANAGING CHANGE SUCCESSFULLY

Leaders have the responsibility of ensuring that employees are able to smoothly transition back to offices

- Mark Dickinson

Lockdowns gave us something that we may never have had in our lives before, and may never have again. Some of us had the opportunity to be alone, thoughtful and introspective, and to re-evaluate life, learn, and rest extensively.

Many people experienced a fascinating journey of personal growth throughout the lockdown period and are coming back to work rather like they have been awakened in the middle of deep sleep. In reality, what has happened is that our brains adapted to a new way of living, replacing the old work routines with new and stimulating activities. Even those who had a deeply negative effect from the lockdown had a break from ‘life as usual’, and they have been forced to adapt. Everyone has changed.

As we come back to the workplace, we are going to experience withdrawal symptoms. What was once familiar territory, will now appear to have become a new lifestyle. We must learn to let go of the feeling of loss of all that was, and embrace what the new normal looks like.