Proven Strategies for Navigating Change at Work

Navigating change in the workplace is undeniably hard and uncomfortable. Individuals often find themselves caught between their own experience and the collective reality, while leaders carry the added weight of managing their teams through uncertainty. This ambiguity can spark a range of emotions, from fear and panic to a determination to dig in and double down. 

When we recognize these feelings for what they are (natural responses to discomfort), we can begin to see change not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity for connection, growth, and possibility. This shift in perspective isn’t about forcing toxic positivity or insisting that every change holds a silver lining. Instead, it’s about navigating change with intention, finding ways to move forward strategically, and discovering possibilities through uncertain times. 

Over the years, working with leaders, individuals, and teams, I’ve seen a wide range of responses during periods of change. Those who navigated it most effectively consistently demonstrated certain behaviors and applied key strategies. Regardless of the outcomes, these individuals always managed to land on their feet. 

A boss once told me, “If you see something that works, R&D it.” For her, “R&D” stood for “rip off and duplicate.” While I have some ethical reservations about the phrase “rip off,” I appreciate the idea of redesigning what already works instead of reinventing the wheel. 

With that in mind, here are some of the “R&D” strategies I’ve seen consistently work for navigating change in the workplace: 

Strategy #1: Think Long-Term and Stay Alert

Thinking long-term gives you more agency, no matter what change is happening. Staying alert helps you spot signs of change and gather information as things unfold, so you know when and how to pivot. Keeping this a mindset helps you stay agile and maintain perspective. 

Keeping a long-term view reminds you that change is temporary, even when it feels endless in the moment. It reinforces that there will be a “next,” even if the ambiguity feels overwhelming. This perspective builds confidence in your ability to act within he change process instead of feeling powerless or overcome by uncertainty. It’s also a helpful reminder that if change ever moves in a direction you don’t support, you still have options.

Staying alert adds to that confidence and sense of control. Paying attention to what leaders say and do, any communications, changes in focus, or processes can be valuable data points that reveal not just the why behind the change but the how and what is next. Just remember to be mindful and curious, not consumed or let your insights cause obsessive worry. Staying alert will help you make informed choices that align with your goals and the organization’s shifting direction. 

Strategy #2: Document Your Work and Share Your Wins

Staying strategically visible during times of change can help position you for future opportunities. It’s a balancing act of staying top of mind with the right people for the right reasons. 

When change hits, everyone’s mental load increases and bandwidth shrinks. Employees and leaders are not just focused on their daily tasks but also on what’s changing and how it will affect them and their teams. This is the perfect time to take inventory of your work and update your career documents. Capture what you’ve accomplished, what you’re working on now, and any wins, big or small, and successes.

Once you’ve documented your work, share your wins thoughtfully and strategically. This could be as simple as adding a quick comment in a 1:1 meeting, at the end of an email, or in a Slack message. You could even invite others to share their wins, making your visibility amplified with it feeling less like awkward self-promotion: “I just realized my customer product adoption rate hit 78%, a big win! Who else has something to celebrate? Let’s get the kudos going!”

Staying visible with the right people and within your team during periods of change can open doors to new conversations and potential opportunities. 

Strategy #3: Connect and Collaborate

Change can bring out surprising reactions in people, sometimes in ways they don’t even expect from themselves. Fear and uncertainty are deeply uncomfortable, and they often drive behaviors that can either build connection and collaboration or create division and competition.

The old saying “misery loves company” rings true here. When people feel discomfort or pain, they almost naturally want to share it with others who understand. During periods of change, it’s normal for people to find others to talk through their frustrations and fears. The balance is to stear clear of unproductive connection that moves into competition, gossip, and silos. Instead, the opportunity is to channel that shared experience into something productive and that drives connection and collaboration. 

In the end, I’ve seen change isolate or bring people together. Choosing a strategy of connection can make all the difference during the change process and for years after the experience. 

Strategy #4: Keep Learning and Stay Open

During times of change, it’s common to see people scrambling, overworking, or dropping every other professional priority just to keep up. Perspectives narrow, fear takes over, and people often close themselves off when they most need to stay open. Finding a balance, one that keeps you learning and less attached to a single outcome, can be a true game changer.

Professional development is often the first thing to get sidelined in seasons of change, and it’s even more likely to be abandoned altogether. But this is exactly when learning matters most. Ongoing learning helps you gather new information and practical ideas for navigating change. It keeps you moving forward on your career path, reinforcing that there are opportunities beyond this moment of uncertainty. It can build confidence, sharpen new skills, remind you that you still have choices, and even be the distraction you need.

The key is to make sure your learning aligns with your broader career vision and what you know about where your team or company is headed. The more intentional you are, the more prepared you’ll be to pivot or step into a new role if needed.

Staying open goes hand-in-hand with learning. It’s natural to cling to anything that feels certain when everything else is shifting, but notice when you’re gripping too tightly. Loosening your hold on a single outcome or path creates space for new ideas, unexpected possibilities, and opportunities you might not even see yet. The more open you are to what’s next, the more ready you’ll be to step into it when it comes. 

Strategy #5: Communicate Clearly and with Purpose 

Finally, communicate, communicate, communicate. If there’s one strategy I can’t emphasize enough during times of change, especially for leaders, it’s to communicate clearly and with purpose. Communication is often the top focus of “soft skills” training and leadership development for a reason: it’s complex, vital, and makes all the difference when things are uncertain. Enter the importance of communication during change.

Communicating clearly doesn’t mean being the squeaky wheel or oversharing every detail. It’s about sharing just enough of the right information at the right time. It won’t answer every question or erase all anxiety, but it will reduce the unknown, ease worry, and build trust. As Brene Brown says, “Clear is kind” and that couldn’t be more true during periods of change. For leaders, being transparent about what you can share and how you’ll keep people informed shows respect for your team. For employees, communicating clearly with peers and managers keeps everyone focused on what matters most. 

Equally important is communicating with purpose. Communication for the sake of protocol can feel empty and actually heighten fear. Intentional, meaningful communication, on the other hand, builds trust and credibility for everyone involved, whether you’re leading or supporting a team. 

In the end, clear and purposeful communication is one of the best ways to steady yourself and those around you through uncertainty. 

Change is rarely easy, but it doesn’t have to leave you feeling powerless. By thinking long-term, staying visible, connecting with others, continuing to learn, and communicating with care, you can navigate change with more confidence and intention.