Managers: Responding to Change
All Queensland Public Service agencies experience change on a regular basis, whether
organisational restructures, business process changes, relocating to different premises or fiscal
restraint. Coping with the uncertainty associated with these changes will be difficult for some.
Employees may experience anxiety or distress about their workplace or aspects of their job.
Significantly, staff may be concerned about their own financial security, moving out of their
comfort zone, family obligations and their employment status. It is important that both staff and
managers acknowledge and recognise early signs of distress caused by uncertainty about
organisational change, and take appropriate action to assist in supporting staff wellness and
organisational productivity.
Workplace uncertainty and distress will manifest in ways unique to the individual staff member,
but may include:

Agitation or reduced tolerance

Increased or unusual absenteeism

Distractibility, increased errors or reduced productivity

Social withdrawal or increased emotional arousal
Managers, supervisors and work colleagues are encouraged to monitor for signs of distress in
themselves and others, and provide support if necessary. This usually means making time to talk
to the individual, listening to their concerns, and responding with relevant information, if possible.
Whilst mild anxiety is normal, some staff may need extra support through the Employee
Assistance Service. Contact details for the Employee Assistance Service can be found on the
Creating Healthier Workplaces website.
Managers and supervisors can do a number of things to minimise the impact of change on their
staff, such as:

Deliver updated information to staff regularly and using a variety of communication
methods

Discuss the impact of the current organisational change directly with staff and
check for understanding

Normalise the feelings of distress and anxiety

Provide opportunities for staff to discuss their concerns, raise any rumours and
have rumours responded to

Encourage staff to access the Employee Assistance Service
Managers and supervisors can seek coaching or advice in how to manage distress or anxiety in a
team, and how to have a difficult discussion with a staff member about reduced workplace
performance or mental health through the Employee Assistance Services. Please note the
external Employee Assistance Service is available for TAFE Institutes, Training Regional Offices
and Central Office/Brisbane CBD staff. The external provider refers to these types of services as
Manager Assist. Education Queensland staff and regional office staff are supported through their
region’s Employee Advisor.
For more information about the Employee Assistance Service, please visit the Creating Healthier
Workplaces website.
Organisational Health
Department of Education , Training and Employment
Issued: June 2012. V1
Uncontrolled when printed