Tired of change? How change fatigue can contribute to burnout.

In the modern business world, the one constant is change. It’s essential for growth, adaptability, and long-term success. Embracing change with a well-thought-out strategy that involves key stakeholders, allows organisations to unlock new opportunities and overcome challenges more effectively. But what happens if you become tired of change?  If there is just too much of it?

Change fatigue is a phenomenon that arises when people feel overwhelmed by continuous changes in their work or personal lives. It’s the exhaustion, resistance, or negative response that individuals or organisations experience when they are subjected to too much change, too quickly, or too frequently.

The majority of people have an innate need for stability, order, and regularity. Frequent and rapid change, whether its organisational restructuring, leadership changes, process alterations, technological implementation, or any significant modifications in someone’s work or personal life, can make them feel overwhelmed and unable to adapt and cope effectively. Constant exposure to frequent changes can also lead to high levels of stress and frustration whilst adapting and adjusting to new situations or increased job demands can be emotionally and mentally draining. It can also create an unstable work environment, with a lack of predictability and security, and decreased feelings of control over one's work. If these changes are not communicated effectively or employees do not receive adequate support, training or resources, an individual's resilience can be further depleted making them susceptible to burnout as well as to change fatigue!

Burnout of course can develop independently from change fatigue, but both can be mitigated by the creation of supportive work environments that offer resources for coping with change and provide opportunities for employees to have a sense of control and autonomy over their work.

Business change, when managed effectively, can bring positive outcomes and benefits for organisations. By addressing the issues around change with empathy, understanding, and a well-considered approach, organisations can increase the likelihood of successful change management and foster a positive and resilient workforce who remain healthy, motivated, and productive, even amidst constant organisational change.