HR Matters

KATHARINE BOGARD Workplace Central (formerly Haycroft Workplace Solutions)

SMALL, CALM STEPS LEAD TO BIG, SCARY CHANGES

Change is scary, yet change is the only constant in life, especially in business. Employees come and go, technology improves, services become obsolete then new opportunities arise. What really matters is how we deal with these changes. As a business owner, the way you handle change ultimately affects the evolution of your company.

The concept of maintaining a sustainable business model is daunting. Just thinking about what is involved, short term versus long term goal setting – it’s exhausting! We are taught to think ahead, predict consequences. However, thinking about the future too much can cause anxiety and worry, daily. This can cause our freeze response, a primal instinct; the downfall of business ventures.

Failing to evolve your service or product means eventually becoming irrelevant. So when thinking about the company future, ensure you don’t become consumed with fear of change. You can achieve this by implementing mindfulness techniques in the workplace. Mindfulness is not just a HR buzzword, or religious philosophy. Studies have found mindfulness actually enhances employee performance and wellbeing.

Your plans probably for the new financial year might be small, like an updated payroll system, or large – like a rebrand. Instead of overwhelming staff with numerous ideas for the future, share mindfulness skills they can employ in the workplace, to minimize barriers.

Benefits of mindfulness in the workplace: • Staff are encouraged to engage in self-directed learning. • Impr oves health, wellbeing and safety of employees. • Impr oves performance, confidence and concentration. • Reduces frustration and increases multi-tasking capabilities. • Encourages positive leadership behaviours and teamwork. • Pro active approach to communication and problem solving.

Practicing mindfulness doesn’t mean you have to conduct yoga classes in your boardroom. Simply practice adjusting your mindset, to embrace mind over matter.

Achieve mindfulness in the workplace: • Visualise yo ur end product/achievement. • Say yes, instead of focusing on obstacles. • Break y our big plans down into small actions you can accomplish each day. • Monitor and celebrate small milestones as you approach goals. • Keep an open mind and accept that timeframes and plans may also change. • Limit distractions and outsource where possible, so you don’t sweat the small stuff.

Change is scary but fear can prevent you from achieving your dreams. Don’t risk falling behind your competitors who adapt to change by becoming stagnate. Consider it a case of mind over matter; put your mind to business and make change happen!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Katharine’s qualifications in graphic design, journalism, advertising and creative writing enable her to implement comprehensive marketing solutions for businesses nationally and globally. The support of Workplace Central’s professional team and flexible work arrangements, empower Katharine to focus on her health.