When companies make any changes to their organization, they must be prepared to face any questions from employees or any challenges that arise. “Employees, especially those in customer-facing positions, are the vital link to the organization’s external customers” (Valentine, Meglich, Mathis, & Jackson, 2020, pp. 1-2b, para. 1). With the organization making changes to be less conservative, conflict with employees resisting change will certainly arise. With markets changing constantly, organizations must change and adapt to compete with other organizations and be successful, but they must do this in a way that also looks out for their employees. As changes occur, employees will also learn through different tasks they participate in at work. “Much of learning at work occurs implicitly through engagement in work tasks. However, learning after a situation of change or an error should typically take place either in a deliberate or in a reactive mode” (Bauer & Gruber, 2007, p. 684).
Handling Change in the Workplace
As I roll out the new initiative to expand the offering of health benefits to domestic partners, I will show empathy to the employees as I increase their diversity training as discussed in an article by Madera, Neal, and Dawson. Not everyone holds the same beliefs and values, and people come from different cultures. “Developing cultural awareness within an organization may help employees become more familiar with different values, interpersonal interactions, and communication systems” (Madera, Neal, & Dawson, 2010, p. 470). Madera, Neal, and Dawson encourage employers and employees to practice “perspective taking,” and they discuss how an outcome of doing this is increased empathy. Showing empathy leads to “increased positive attitudes” (Medea, Neal, & Dawson, 2010, p. 471-472). With the changes in the organization, a major change that will need to take place in the diversity training of employees will be to consider the perspectives of those who do not hold the same beliefs or conservative views.
Biblical Perspective
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to Father except through Me” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/1995, John 14:6). While Christians believe Him to be the One Way and One Truth, that does not mean they do not love those who do not hold the same beliefs. In fact, Scripture also tells us, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/1995, John 13:35). If we only interact with those who hold the same beliefs, we will never have the opportunity to share Jesus and His love with others, so they may come to know Him. If we continually “reject” those who hold a different belief, it may give them the impression that they are not welcome or not accepted. People come in contact with many different people in their every-day endeavors, including the workplace. If an organization decides to expand their services and offer to those who hold less conservative views, that does not mean they agree and believe the same way, and in no way should they condone the practices they do not believe in; however, this allows them to reach far more people and may open doors to share the love and light of Jesus with them.