You’re called into a meeting after weeks of hushed conversations between your managers, so you assume it is bad news. As you thought, the company is undergoing a restructure. Luckily, though, you still have a job – just one in a different team.
A number of UK businesses have recently announced restructures and redundancies, including the retailers Primark, River Island and Poundland and hospitality firms TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut and BrewDog.
Restructures often happen because of financial pressures such as debt, rising operational expenses like high energy costs, changing market conditions, shifting consumer demands and new technology.
For workers, restructures are a deeply stressful time – and not just for those who lose their jobs. Even if you’re kept on, a restructure can lead to confusion over your role, worries about job security, guilt and more.
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“Restructures can have a huge effect on workers,” says Jasmine Mbye, a careers and leadership expert. “They often result in mental, emotional and professional upheaval, because for most, change is unsettling and the unknown is scary. This causes immense stress and anxiety, testing an individual’s resilience. Morale and productivity can lower as a result too.
“And for those who stay, it can lead to what is known as survivor’s syndrome where there’s a mixture of relief, grief, and anxiety, which can lead to decreased motivation,” she adds.
So how can you adapt to the changes that a restructure brings – and mentally survive the inevitable stress?
“Make sure that you stay abreast of the current situation and any future plans that your manager is able to share with you, and watch out for any signs that your role might soon be changing or even at risk,” says Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of Kickresume.
“Beyond formal consultation meetings, this could include a drop in your workload, fewer check-ins from your manager, or less discussion about new projects.”
With so much going on, your bosses may be vague about what your role entails after a restructure. However, it’s important to find out exactly what they expect from you, what your day-to-day tasks will be, your objectives and your overall goals.
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“If your role or responsibilities are changing, make sure to get your job description in writing so that you can review it in your own time,” says Duris.
You could also organise a meeting with your new manager to discuss your skills and goals. “This can help prevent the move being a professional step back for you, although in some cases, your career progression might still be affected,” says Duris. “It’s a good idea to proactively connect with your boss and ask any questions you might have.”
