Impact of Organizational Change on Employee Experience - A Diary-Based Thesis

Abstract

This diary-based thesis is a non-commissioned thesis that confines the author’s real-time experience of how organizational change affects employees’ motivation, morale, well-being, and overall experiences. The study is based on the author’s dual perspective – as an employee and as an aspiring HR professional. The case company is a major logistics and postal service provider in Finland. The author is currently working as a mail sorting worker operating a mail sorting machine (MSM) on the night shift, experiencing the change phase since 2024. The author has been associated with this company for over two years now. As the work is physically demanding and has fast-paced operational environments, employees’ experience is more visible and impactful during organizational changes in this sector. Today, organizations are globally facing restructuring, layoffs and these aspects make this topic relevant and timely. The aim of this thesis is to under-stand how this change influences employees’ not only physical, emotional, and mental well-being, but also their perspective towards motivation, satisfaction and engagement at work. The study also aims to identify insights that can analyze the effect on workplace culture, relationships, communication, HR management frameworks, and sustainable HR practices which further enhance the employees’ productivity and resilience during this transformational period.

The thesis uses a qualitative, diary-based approach, where the author, as an employee, gathers personal reflections, experiences, and significant observations over an 8-week period from September to November 2025. Each reflection is linked with theoretical frameworks related mainly to three key themes: (1) Adapting to organizational change and developing resilience, (2) Employee motivation and engagement, (3) Sustainable employee experience, well-being and workload balance. These themes help develop a deep understanding of employees’ perception, and adaptability towards change while sustaining motivation and well-being.

The anticipated outcome is to develop both personal and professional skills by focusing on an employee-centered understanding of change management by emphasizing the challenges employees encounter and the key role of HR professionals in identifying empathetic HR sustainable people practices. The insights are expected to support personal growth in analyzing real-time experiences and support future HR professionals in constructing an effective support system for employees to foster resilience, engagement and well-being during an organizational change phase.