Change can be tough. It brings uncertainty, stress, and sometimes a real sense of anxiety for the people involved.
With Australia’s new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, businesses are now legally required to manage these psychological risks, just like they do with physical risks. But addressing these risks isn’t something that one person or one team can fix—it’s a team effort, and leaders are right at the heart of it.
Change Managers set up the framework to make transitions smoother—things like communication plans, training, and support systems. But it’s really the leaders in the business who make the biggest impact.
People look to leaders for guidance, reassurance, and direction when things get uncertain. This isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being present, listening, and helping people make sense of the change.
From my experience, the leaders who step up, engage with their teams, and communicate openly make a world of difference. They’re not just passing on corporate messages—they’re checking in, addressing concerns, and helping people understand how changes will affect them personally.
When leaders show up like this, it goes a long way in reducing stress and making the change feel less overwhelming.
On the other hand, when leaders avoid stepping up, they can actually become a risk themselves.
Employees start to feel unsure, unsupported, and disengaged. And now, with the WHS regulations in place, this lack of leadership can be a compliance risk as well. If leaders aren’t actively guiding their teams through change, businesses may face bigger challenges down the track.
But it doesn’t have to be like this.
Leaders don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to be present, lead by example, and communicate clearly. Change Managers can help put the right structures in place, but it’s the leaders who are ultimately responsible for guiding their teams through uncertainty.
At the end of the day, managing change is about more than hitting deadlines or completing tasks—it’s about looking after your people.
By working together, Change Managers and leaders can reduce the stress that comes with change, making the whole process smoother and less overwhelming for everyone involved.
