Workplace Whiplash: How to Adapt and Stay Ahead of Change

The Weight of Uncertainty 

Workplace transitions have never been easy. Today’s shifts feel particularly unsettling. Job instability, cost-cutting, industry disruptions, and leadership changes leave employees feeling like they have little control over their futures. Decisions that impact careers and livelihoods are happening behind closed doors. This makes uncertainty even harder to manage. 

Beyond internal workplace challenges, shifting economic conditions and policy changes are transforming industries, government agencies, and public institutions. This requires employees and leaders to adapt quickly. Shifts in regulations, trade policies, and workforce initiatives can have far-reaching impacts. This adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex landscape. 

This blog isn’t about politics—it’s about how individuals in both the private and public sectors can navigate these transitions effectively. The key isn’t just reacting to change but developing strategies to move forward with confidence. Coaching plays a critical role in this process, helping employees and leaders gain clarity, build resilience, and develop actionable steps for the future. 

The Psychology of Workplace Transition 

Why do transitions today feel different? The speed and scale of change have increased dramatically. What once felt like periodic adjustments now feels like a continuous state of flux. 

✅ Company restructuring, hiring freezes, and shifts in business viability create uncertainty around job security. 

✅ Rapid policy and economic shifts force industries and government agencies to adapt, often without clear guidance. 

✅ Conflicting leadership decisions leave employees unsure of what direction their organization is taking. 

According to Tess Brigham, a psychotherapist and career coach specializing in workplace transitions, our brains crave stability, and when faced with uncertainty, people tend to default to fight, flight, or freeze (Ride the Wave of Uncertainty, Forbes). 

• Fight – Overworking to stay “indispensable,” taking on more tasks in hopes of avoiding a layoff. 

• Flight – Quiet quitting, disengaging, or seeking escape before change happens. 

• Freeze – Feeling paralyzed, waiting for clarity that may never come. 

Coaching can help individuals identify these patterns and shift their mindset from fear to strategy, allowing them to regain control and make intentional career choices. 

What’s Driving the Fear? 

Employees aren’t just reacting to change—they’re reacting to how it’s handled. Workplace fear is fueled by: 

✔️Unpredictable decision-making – Sudden layoffs, budget shifts, and rapid pivots make it impossible to plan. 

✔️Trust issues with leadership – Employees feeling like they aren’t getting the full picture. 

✔️Lack of clear career paths – “What does the future look like for someone like me?” 

✔️Economic and policy pressures – Rising costs of living, workforce regulations, and industry shifts. 

✔️Culture of reaction vs. strategy – Organizations making short-term crisis decisions rather than planning for long-term stability. 

According to Harvard Business Review, 6 Strategies for Leading Through Uncertainty, companies and agencies that fail to communicate clearly during uncertain times create a vacuum where employees assume the worst. Transparency and proactive career planning are essential for maintaining trust. 

From Fear to Strategy: Taking Back Control 

The first step in reducing workplace anxiety is separating what you can control from what you can’t. 

• You can’t control corporate restructuring, but you can build career resilience. 

• You can’t predict leadership decisions, but you can develop a proactive career strategy. 

• You can’t stop economic and policy shifts, but you can adapt and prepare. 

Shifting focus from waiting on stability to actively creating stability is key. This is where coaching is invaluable—providing structured support, helping clients assess their options, and guiding them in navigating change with confidence. 

Strengthen Career & Financial Resilience 

✔️Career: Keep skills fresh, explore cross-industry mobility, and network strategically. 

✔️Financial: Plan for potential disruptions, assess risk tolerance, and build a cushion if possible. 

Brigham suggests that instead of resisting uncertainty, we must learn to ride the wave. Coaching helps individuals do just that—by providing a space to explore possibilities, develop adaptable skills, and build the confidence needed to navigate change. 

Manage Workplace Anxiety & Uncertainty 

• Avoid doomscrolling the headlines—stay informed, but don’t let worst-case scenarios dominate your mindset. 

• Clarify expectations with leadership—get answers rather than assuming the worst. 

• Find an anchor—mentors, coaches, professional groups, or personal goals can provide stability when everything else feels uncertain. 

Coaches serve as key anchors during workplace transitions, helping individuals make sense of change, regain control, and build confidence in uncertain times. 

For Leaders: How to Support Employees Through Workplace Uncertainty 

If you’re a leader in a company, nonprofit, or government agency, the way you handle uncertainty will directly impact your team’s confidence and adaptability. Employees don’t expect all the answers, but they rely on clarity and consistency to navigate change effectively.

✔️Transparency is key—employees will assume the worst in an information vacuum. 

✔️Consistency over comfort—people prefer hard truths over vague reassurances. 

✔️Offer ways for employees to contribute—involvement reduces feelings of helplessness. 

As Forbes Coaches Council explains in How to Make Confident Executive Business Decisions , leaders must prioritize data over emotions when making decisions. Employees want leaders who are decisive, even if the news isn’t good. 

Coaching isn’t just for employees—it’s a powerful tool for leaders as well. Working with a coach can help leaders refine their communication strategies, balance decision-making with empathy, and create environments where employees feel supported, even in times of change.  

Navigating What’s Next 

Uncertainty in the workplace isn’t new, but it feels different now. The difference between fear and confidence isn’t knowing exactly what will happen—it’s having the tools to respond. 

Whether you’re navigating change in the private sector, public sector, or as part of a government agency, coaching provides the structured support needed to move forward with clarity. It’s about shifting from reaction to strategy. Building resilience and shaping your career path—no matter what external forces are at play. 

Coaching is an anchor during transition, helping you gain clarity and control in uncertain times. If you're feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps, let’s talk. Book a free 15-minute consultation today and start exploring your path forward.  

📌 What’s Next  

The Harnessing Change series: Building Stronger Teams in Transition. Change can be disruptive, but it also creates opportunities to strengthen team dynamics, improve collaboration, and build resilience. In our next blog, we’ll explore how leaders can harness the momentum of change to create stronger, more adaptable teams.