How to Reduce Fear and Anxiety Around Workplace Change

If your business needs to change, but your people don’t want to, the process will be slow, stressful, and deliver mediocre results at best.

For many employees, change triggers fear and anxiety. They worry about job security, increased workload, new responsibilities, or failing to keep up. And when fear takes over, resistance follows.

But fear isn’t an obstacle—it’s a signal. It means people need clarity, support, and practical tools to navigate change with confidence.

The good news? Leaders can help employees manage change-related fear before it becomes a roadblock.

Why Change Causes Fear (and How It Affects Performance)

Fear and anxiety around change aren’t just emotional reactions—they have real consequences for performance and engagement.

❌ Productivity drops as employees focus on uncertainty instead of their work
❌ Innovation stalls because people avoid taking risks
❌ Stress increases, leading to burnout and turnover
❌ Company culture weakens as uncertainty breeds negativity

On the other hand, when employees feel equipped to handle change, they:

✅ Adapt faster with less stress
✅ Engage more fully in new processes
✅ Contribute ideas instead of holding back
✅ Feel more committed to the organization’s success

How to Help Employees Move from Fear to Confidence

Julian Mather, a motivational speaker on change and leadership, knows firsthand what it’s like to fear change. He once thought he was terrible at it—but by building the right mindset and habits, he transformed himself:

✅ Average shot → Army sniper
✅ Home movies → National Geographic cameraman
✅ Fumbling card tricks → Professional magician
✅ Never swinging a hammer → Building a home
✅ High school dropout → Published author
✅ Business rookie → Building and selling a company
✅ Stutterer → Motivational speaker

What he learned is simple: Fear of change is normal—but it doesn’t have to hold you back.

Here’s how leaders can help their teams navigate fear and anxiety during change:

1. Acknowledge and Normalize Fear

Ignoring fear doesn’t make it go away—it amplifies it. Leaders need to:

✅ Validate concerns instead of dismissing them
✅ Encourage open discussions so employees feel heard
✅ Share their own experiences of overcoming change-related fears

When employees see that fear is normal and manageable, they feel more in control.

2. Provide Clarity and Reassurance

One of the biggest causes of change anxiety is uncertainty. Employees fear what they don’t understand.

Julian Mather’s keynote, CHANGEABILITY, helps leaders:

✅ Communicate the “why” behind change so employees feel informed
✅ Break change into small, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm
✅ Help teams shift from uncertainty to action with practical strategies

3. Give People a Sense of Control

People fear change when they feel powerless. Leaders can reduce anxiety by:

✅ Involving employees in the change process
✅ Encouraging problem-solving rather than passive waiting
✅ Providing flexibility where possible to allow smoother transitions

When employees feel they have some control over how change happens, their fear decreases.

4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Fear often comes from the belief that failure is not an option. Leaders can help by:

✅ Encouraging a learning mindset—mistakes are part of growth
✅ Recognizing small wins to build confidence
✅ Creating a supportive environment where adaptability is valued

Final Thoughts

Change-related fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to derail progress. With the right leadership, employees can shift from fear to resilience, making change smoother and more successful for everyone.

If your organization is struggling with change anxiety, Julian Mather’s CHANGEABILITY keynote can help your team navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Welcome to My Series on Leading Change and Building Resilience in Your Organization

This is Part 8 of a 10-part series

Change is constant. In today’s business world, organizations that are resilient, adaptable, and willing to embrace change are the ones that thrive. But how do you help your team get past resistance, overcome fear, and become more agile in the face of change?

This series of articles dives deep into the key elements of successful change leadership. Each article explores strategies and actionable insights for leaders to help their teams embrace change with confidence and resilience. Whether you’re looking to break through resistance, build a culture of adaptability, or help employees manage fear and stress during times of uncertainty, this series is your go-to guide.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. How to Get People to Embrace Change Instead of Resisting It
   Learn how to identify resistance to change and implement strategies that make it easier for your team to adapt.

2. How to Reduce Fear and Anxiety Around Workplace Change
   Discover how to reduce change-related anxiety by fostering an environment of trust and clarity.

3. How to Build a Culture of Adaptability in Your Organization
   Explore how to create a culture that thrives on change, making it a natural part of your organization’s DNA.

4. How to Create a Change-Ready Workforce
   Find out how to build a workforce that is equipped to handle and drive change with energy and enthusiasm.

5. How to Lead Through Change with Emotional Intelligence
   Learn the importance of emotional intelligence for leaders and how it helps employees navigate difficult changes with empathy.

6. How to Help Your Team Build Resilience in Times of Change
   Build resilience in your team by focusing on growth, learning from setbacks, and staying adaptable in the face of challenges.

7. How to Transform Your Team’s Mindset Towards Change
   Shift your team’s mindset from fixed to growth-oriented, creating a more proactive, adaptable, and open-minded workforce.

8. How to Overcome Resistance to Change in High-Stakes Situations
   Tackle high-stakes change with proven strategies that help reduce resistance and bring your team together.

9. How to Motivate Employees to Stay Engaged During Change
   Keep your employees motivated and committed during times of organizational change through effective communication and support.

10. The Power of Resilience: How to Lead Your Team Through Change
    Understand how resilience plays a pivotal role in leading teams through change and how to build it in your organization.

Take the Next Step Towards Leading Change with Confidence

By reading this series, you’ll gain the insights you need to foster a more adaptable, resilient, and engaged workforce. You’ll be better equipped to guide your team through uncertainty, manage change effectively, and create a culture that thrives in today’s fast-paced business world.

Don’t let resistance to change slow down your success. Embrace the strategies shared in these articles and start making change feel easier for everyone in your organization.

Ready to lead your team through change with confidence? Start reading the articles now and discover how you can turn change into an opportunity for growth and success.