Shift shock is more common than you think. Imagine you have started working at a new place and you have prepared for the work you will do there. However, as the day progresses, you realize that it is not going as planned, the tasks are more complicated and your coworkers already have their own groups. You are left alone, confused, and overwhelmed. This is exactly what is called a shift shock and every employee has felt it at least once in their working lives.
You also might think that this is something that can be overcome easily but this is not the reality. Ignoring this shock is not a permanent solution as well. At first, this shift chock can be ignored but as time goes on, this will start to take a toll on your mental health. Over time, this also can cause you a lack of confidence at the workplace and cause you to doubt your performance. While managing shift shock may sound difficult now, we have the ways for you. However, before moving forward, let’s understand what mainly causes shift shock.
What Causes Shift Shock?
i) Adjustment to Company Culture - This means trying to fit into the new work culture or environment. Adjusting to a new workplace is hard and figuring it out takes a large amount of time.
ii) Skill Gaps - This happens when you have neutered a new job and the tasks that you are required to perform do not align with the skillset you have. When you see your coworkers already having the skills that you have to learn might make you feel awkward or overwhelmed.
iii) Impostor Syndrome - It is the feeling of doubting yourself which leads to you feeling like a fraud, undeserving of the success you have achieved. This usually starts with stress that is associated with taking on a new job role.
How to Battle Shift Shock?
1. A Mindset of Growth -
Battling a shift shock starts with changing your mindset. You need to stop believing that you are absolutely perfect at what you do. Instead, accept the fact that you have so much more to learn even if it is a familiar job. Focus on the process of learning and celebrate even the small winnings such as figuring out a problem on your own or using software on your own. In the way if you make mistakes, it is okay, they are only there so that you can learn from them and grow. So, stop stressing about being a perfectionist and allow yourself you make mistakes and learn.
2. Open Communication -
When you take over new responsibilities, it is quite common to experience frustration and confusion. So, communicate with the team as much as you can. Whether it is about the company’s late working day policies, email etiquette, or even as simple as when to take your break. If you are shy, start small with greetings and forming small talks with your peers. The same rule goes for the supervisors. Do not be scared to ask for help, and talk to them often about the concerns you have. This shows you actually care about the work you are doing.
3. Support System -
It is not ideal to battle shift shock on your own, you need to have a support system that includes your family and friends. Sometimes this circle also consists of your colleagues, for instance, mentors at work who will help you throughout the journey. These people are experienced at work and can very well save you from work stress.
At the same time, it is also important to set realistic goals. Remember, always be gentle with yourself when you are beginning at a new workplace and set goals that you know you can achieve.
