Change is a constant in the business world. The best leaders not only accept and embrace change—they approach the ripple effect of change in an intentional way. One of the most significant shifts leaders have had to navigate recently is the transition to the hybrid workplace, along with the resistance this change has brought.
Whether moving from a traditional office setting to a mix of remote and in-person work or adopting new collaboration tools, managing this resistance is crucial for a successful transition. Let’s dive into this resistance to change and look at three guiding principles leaders can follow to smooth out the bumps along the way.
Understanding Resistance to Change in the Hybrid Workplace
Change management, a critical discipline in the business world, focuses on understanding and addressing organizational and human responses to change. Dr. Spencer Johnson’s iconic book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” highlights the fear and comfort zones associated with change, and reminds us that if we do not change, we risk being left behind or even becoming extinct.
Transitioning to hybrid workplaces may trigger a psychological and physiological response due to the brain perceiving change as a potential risk. This hard-wired resistance manifests as the classic “fight or flight” response, perhaps making employees wary of new work arrangements and technologies.