by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness
Organizations face events that can disrupt daily operations and impact employee well-being (Smith, 2018). Mergers and acquisitions, leadership changes, globalization, layoffs, technological advancements, and other significant events, such as the sudden passing of a beloved colleague, can cause feelings of uncertainty and fear among employees, ultimately affecting the organization's functioning. However, organizations can survive and thrive in the wake of disruption by implementing an immersive, interactive, supportive program by The National Center for Emotional Wellness.
Research has shown that organizational disruptions can profoundly affect the emotional wellness of individuals and the organization. For example, during mergers and acquisitions, employees often experience heightened anxiety, job insecurity, and decreased job satisfaction (Alcouffe, Fort, & Scanvic, 2020). Similarly, leadership changes can lose employee trust and confidence, decreasing morale and productivity (Storberg-Walker, Coghlan, Mathiesen, & Iles, 2021). These emotional responses can significantly impact an organization's ability to adapt to change and compromise its success.
Globalization and technological advancements have also transformed organizations' operations, leading to significant disruptions in traditional work processes. Employees may struggle to adapt to new technologies and work practices, increasing stress and resistance to change (Plantak, Petrović, & Končar, 2020). Layoffs, often seen during economic downturns, can further exacerbate emotional distress among employees, as they fear losing their jobs and livelihoods (Noor, Nasir, & Zaharudin, 2020).
The sudden passing of a beloved employee can profoundly impact an organization. It can decrease employee morale and motivation, affecting their productivity. Additionally, the loss can result in an emotional void within the workplace, causing grief and distress among colleagues. Research by Brooks et al. (2019) suggests that organizations should provide adequate support and resources to help employees cope with grief and facilitate healing.
To address these challenges, The National Center for Emotional Wellness has developed an immersive, interactive, supportive program designed for organizations experiencing disruption. This program empowers employees to navigate and overcome emotional obstacles during challenges and change. Organizations can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and well-being by offering tools and resources that promote emotional well-being.
The National Center's program focuses on critical areas. First, it places an emphasis on the significance of sharing facts, communication, and transparency during periods of disruption. Organizations can minimize uncertainty and build trust by keeping employees informed and engaged in decision-making (Fort & Scouarnec, 2019). The program also advocates prioritizing employee well-being through mental health support and stress-management initiatives. By proactively addressing the emotional impact of disruption, organizations can mitigate negative effects on employee performance and foster a positive and adaptive work culture (Nassar-McMillan et al., 2019). Supportive strategies such as employee assistance programs, counseling services, and wellness initiatives offer employees valuable resources to cope with stress and maintain their overall well-being.
Organizational disruptions have a significant impact on emotional wellness. However, by implementing an immersive, interactive, supportive program, organizations can empower themselves to survive and thrive during and in the aftermath of disruption. The National Center for Emotional Wellness offers a supportive program addressing organizations' emotional challenges during mergers and acquisitions, leadership changes, globalization, layoffs, technological advancements, and other significant events. By prioritizing authentic communication, training, and well-being, organizations can create a positive and supportive environment that enables individuals and the organization to adapt and ultimately thrive during times of change.