The structures and skills that enable organisations to perform and thrive in “normal” times are different to those needed to thrive in times of change. Change requires agility and the ability to perform well when the usual securities may no longer be available.

We live in an age of rapid and unrelenting change and there is little we can do to stop it. But we can do something about our capacity to deal with it and even thrive in it. We can take action to improve the adaptability of our people and the agility of our organisations.

To take such action is to enhance the health and well-being of our people and systems. This will inevitably improve outcomes and support the achievement of our goals and mission.

We must remember the costs of change fatigue and burnout. These are real risks that result in stress, disengagement, resistance, and decreased productivity. 

For example, the recent pandemic is an example of unexpected change that caused deep psychological stress on healthcare workers across the globe.  According to research published in the British Medical Journal (2020), “Psychological distress is prevalent among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic; screening for adverse mental and emotional outcomes and developing timely tailored preventative measures with effective feedback are vital to protect their psychological well-being, both in the immediate and long-term.” (italics not in original).

Building the adaptability of people and the agility of organisations represents a ‘tailored preventative measure with effective feedback’ that will help protect psychological well-being and promote thriving organisations.