Task III: Make the Needed Changes for a New Work Situation

The work of this Task is to adjust to the new workplace environment. This requires facing the work day in a new space or with new people, without the old social network, and with the use of new or rusty skills. The person may be growing aware of just how important the “old gang” was in making the work day pleasant and quick. The reliable colleague who was always available to answer questions is not so handy anymore. The location of supplies, operation of office and work equipment, routines and schedules may be different and strange. Commuting and parking arrangements, lunch facilities and even dress code may involve additional areas of adjustment.

Perhaps the most significant issue for many will be “How do I fit in here?” The individual’s previous group identity and the formation of a new one is already on the minds of workers even during the earliest announcement of a change. A Human Resources staff member of a major transportation company stated that people began asking this question at the very beginning of a major restructuring. This concern over what will be the individual’s niche in the new organizational structure was reported to be a dominant concern.