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Coping with change at work

PurpleFlower

Hi all, I'm new to this forum so apologies in advance if I'm not doing something correctly! 

I've been having some troubles at work this week. I've had a new manager (temporary), and I'm really struggling to cope with this change. This was very unexpected and without any warning, which makes it much harder to deal with. I find myself crying daily as I just can't cope and adjust to this huge change (luckily I work from home Sweat smile) 

I told my workplace before that I need warnings to adjust to changes, and the fact that they ignored that request makes it difficult to process as well. I talked quite openly about my autism and mental health with my previous manager but I'm not comfortable to do so with my new manager yet.

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences and / or advice? 

  • One of my old workplaces actually changed location, which meant a longer commute through heavy traffic, I REALLY struggled with it. I only apply for jobs with easy commutes because I don't like driving in high traffic areas and have no patience for traffic jams. I woke up with hot sweats, screamed, cried, but it did get easier. The fear of it was worst than actually doing it. I still always preferred the old office though. 

  • Ask for a referral of Occupational Health - get a reaasonable adjstmnt agreement in place that includes what you need - if they ignore your needs after that use the grievance process / employment tribunal for failure to privide a reasonable adjustment.

  • Hi I very much relate to what you described and I myself have fear that my manager will get changed. I face some unexpected minor changes like changes in procedures and what helps me cope is that I do my best to keep other things same. Previously I worked in a call center and there were so many changes everyday, I found myself crying in bathrooms everyday and couldn’t even name the reason but that was hell for me. But even now if it happens that someone sit on “my” place in the bus or a bus with a different layout comes and I can’t sit on my place, additionally a coffee vending machine is broken so I can’t have my coffee like always and then a new colleague comes and it’s my task to explain the procedures to them, then it’s hard for me and I cry. 
    my safe food and safe clothes help me stay sane (without stronger reaction). Yes it is bad when there is a change without warning. In my case I was informed in advance we gonna have a trainee, but it was still hard for me. 

  • Hello  

    I'm sorry to hear that you have been experiencing this challenge at work. You may like to have a look at the following information on employment support, in particular on what to do if a reasonable adjustment at work has not been granted: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment/what-are-reasonable-adjustments-and-when-can-they

    I hope this helps,

    ChloeMod

  • in reply to Homebird

    Yes! If the employer is ok with it you can get a reasonable adjustments passport to cover all your needs in one place. Although my HR department don't seem keen and have done various bits via different systems.  ACAS have a good explanation:

    www.acas.org.uk/.../reviewing-reasonable-adjustments-and-keeping-a-record

  • Is it possible to put the main things that help you, including any adjustments in writing to be kept on your HR record, so this can be referred to if any future changes?

  • Sometimes change just happens - if your manager had to take a break for medical reasons, personal emergency or similar then they would need someone to step in to fill the position.

    Your need to notice may not be able to be met so finding ways to cope with it will be essential to survive.

    My recommendation would to to learn about mindfulness and try practicing it for a while - it helps your rational brain overrule your less rational brain (the one that struggles with change) by telling it that this is outside of your control, you cannot control it so don't fight it - try to roll with the punches.

    If you are able to put this into operation then you should find a lot less stress in your life.

    Not everyone is able to apply it but it worked for me and I've heard from others here that they have had success with it.

    PurpleFlower said:
    I talked quite openly about my autism and mental health with my previous manager but I'm not comfortable to do so with my new manager yet.

    In this case I do suggest you get over this reservation and let them know otherwise they will unwittingly make changes that will cause you way more stress than telling them. If they lack the full picture then it is also not fair on them that you could be making your self ill from the stress when there is no need for it, reducing their headcount and placing more stress on your work coleagues.

    Good luck with whatever you choose to do.