Changes in business aren’t just inevitable, they’re constant. As the industry you work in evolves, so must your business. When a company goes through a period of change, so do the people and processes that make up the organization.
Change, although often necessary, is not always easy or comfortable. And implementing changes in a workplace is not always successful. In fact, approximately 50% of all organizational change initiatives end up being unsuccessful.
How can you prepare your employees for expected (or unexpected) change?
The answer is simple: change management.
What is Change Management?
Change management is a discipline defined as, “The methods and manners in which a company describes and implements change within both its internal and external processes.” This involves how an employer prepares and supports their team through change. By establishing clear parameters of what is expected and how to approach such modifications, employees will be better equipped to handle and adapt to a new environment.
Any type of administrative change can present challenges to a business. However, organization, communication, and cooperation can make these change management processes run much smoother.
You might be asking yourself: “What should my change management process look like?” The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your processes should look different depending on your business needs. For example, your plan for implementing a new technology will look different than your plan for a new risk management protocol.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is ensuring that your team can adjust tothese changes in your company. If your employees can grow with these modifications, your business is more likely to evolve successfully.
Supporting Your Employees Through Change
No matter what changes your organization is going through, it is important that you have a plan in place to support your team(s). Developing a strategy with goals, employee-assigned tasks, and possible risks is a great way to map out your implemented changes and measure your success. Having structure is crucial and having a plan will give your employees a resource to refer to throughout the process.
Another necessary method to support your team during times of change is something you might already be doing: prioritize communication. As a leader in your organization, making yourself an available resource to your employees opens a constant line of communication and trust. These are two key components to building a strong foundation in your organization. When your workers are comfortable asking questions and communicating with you, problems are fixed more easily, and issues are less likely to arise.
Additionally, flexibility and understanding go a long way. Human nature makes change difficult, and everyone is different. Some company members may take longer to adjust than others, and that’s okay. Success isn’t measured by speed, it’s measured by the output of a dedicated, cohesive team.
Change management processes look different across all organizations and industries. But if you have a strong foundation to build your business on, it is much more likely to last and thrive.
The Importance of Change Management
The proof is in the pudding. Change management is statistically proven to help businesses successfully navigate organizational and administrative changes. According to Prosci, organizations with strong change management processes are two times more likely to stay on or under budget, five times more likely to stay on or ahead of schedule, and six times more likely to achieve project objectives.
At VensureHR, we prioritize organizational development. It is the keystone of a company’s ability to thrive. Running a business is a big responsibility. You deserve a partner dedicated to your business success, especially through growth and changes.
Do you need help kickstarting your change management processes? Schedule a free consultation with our HR experts today.
