Understanding the impact of change on individuals

Change affects everyone differently, so understanding this impact for us as individuals will help us move from a place of uncertainty to feeling confident to embrace change.

Our resources will help you understand more about the emotional impact and responses to change so you can plan for, implement, and embed new ways of working smoothly.

Change at the University

Change is constant. We're always in a state of change throughout our lives. Change can affect people in different ways and at different times. Change can land differently for everyone, particularly if you have a disability or long-term health condition. There is a range of guidance available to support you:

Support, health and wellbeing - explore how to support your own wellbeing through periods of change.
How to deal with change and uncertainty (nhs.uk)- practical wellbeing tips from NHS Every Mind Matters.
Guidance and information for disabled staff
Change and the impact on disabled staff
Individual Adjustment Plan - revisit your plan to enable you to explore the impact of change with your line manager.
Staff equality networks and forums - connect with other colleagues.

How we respond to change

We know all this change is hard. There's no getting away from it. Our resources aim to help you explore how you respond to change, and the impact it has on you and others. They’ll help you to normalise the emotional responses to change, help you understand why you might be right now, and help us all to respond with empathy.

How we respond to change

These resources will support you to reflect on your individual response to change and consider practical strategies you can use.

Video

Model of Personal Change

Exploring, understanding and appreciating the emotional responses to change. How do we deal with change? What is the process of transition? What emotions do we experience? This model was created by John Fisher.

Video

Change and the Three Box Model

How do we view change? How can we develop a more positive outlook about the opportunities that the change presents? This model was created by Jason Clarke.

Video

Four Doors Model of Change

Helping define the edges of the change. What's new and what hasn't changed? How can we process (emotionally and practically) what the change means to our role? This model was created by Jason Clarke.

Supporting activities and guides

Change and the Three Box Model (activity sheet to use with the video above)
Four Doors Model of Change (activity sheet to use with the video above)
The Change House (short guide providing a different lens for understanding and processing our response to change)