Getting your employees to go along with a new program, initiative or behavior often depends on how your management team communicates the change. While it may seem like people are resisting change, it is more often the case that employees actually have a positive view of change, just not the way it is being imposed on them. The first step to implementing change and establishing a workplace environment that fosters creativity, positivity, and success is to help your employees feel a sense of ownership in the change process. It is no secret that people want to feel important and like they are involved in major decisions. Recognizing this and coming up with a plan for how you are going to present the change is integral to the outcome. So, what exactly does it take to create and maintain successful change in the workplace? Here are some tips to help you:
Determine Readiness
Before you can create successful change in the workplace, you should determine your company’s organizational readiness. You will be able to do so by asking yourself some of the following questions:
- Has this organization gone through any changes in the last several years?
- How was this change received?
- Does the organization have the necessary resources to take on more change?
- How will your employees perceive this change?
By asking yourself these questions right off the bat, you will be giving yourself an advantage and a better idea as to whether or not your enterprise is truly ready for change. Whether you are looking for a change in behavior or altering the way employees receive training, the above listed questions apply. Once you have taken a deeper look at the history of your company and have an idea of what has worked (and what hasn’t) in the past, you will be better prepared to move forward.
Communication is Key
It is important to remember to communicate the change often, as well as why the change needs to occur and how it will affect your employees. Perhaps the main reason organizations are met with resistance when it comes to implementing change is a failure to communicate. Communicating the change often and frequently will help keep you from losing good employees, and it will give your employees a sense of inclusion. With this, it is also important that you use all the communication mediums available to you. From e-mail and voicemail to visual aids during a presentations and online resources, be sure you are mixing and matching mediums and methods so that people are being reached.
Plan Ahead
It is safe to say that no lasting positive change will ever come without advanced planning and thinking ahead. Organizations should plan for change as a way to minimize risk and encourage success. Do your research and look into what barriers or hurdles other companies have had to overcome with implementing change, as this will give you an idea of what you are up against. By eliminating possible obstacles right from the start and keeping communication lines open, you will have a better chance of success.
In order for companies to keep up with the fast-paced and ever-changing business world of today, they must embrace and implement various changes. Change should be embraced by all levels of your team and made a core part of your organization. Company leaders need to show employees how the new behaviors or the changes will help improve performance, and in turn, how this will help grow the company. For more information on how we can assist in helping create behavoir change at your organization contact us today!