It is not surprising employees often react negatively when hearing about a proposed organisational change driven by a fear of the unknown. Below are the four main phases that employees typically go through during periods of organisational change and how you can best handle them.
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The Initial Shock
New changes can leave employees feeling shocked and frustrated. Individuals invest a lot of time in preserving old habits. Change pulls people out of their comfort zone and forces them to adapt. As a result, you should expect employees to initially resist the proposed change. Show your employees that you understand their concerns and attempt to assuage their fears. Take notice of challenges faced by different employees and make sure to address their specific concerns head on. Encourage a positive environment to keep everyone motivated through the transition.
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Employee Guidance
Even more flexible employees will experience some discomfort during organisational changes. You’ll need to guide employees through the process of how the change will be implemented. Organise office meetings to discuss and collaborate between workers. Leverage learning tools to assist in the transition.
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A Culture of Dialogue
The culture of the company will play a major factor in how employees accept organisational changes. As a leader, you play a substantial role in determining the mood in the office and the reactions employees have during a transitional phase. Create an environment that permits open dialogue. HR should set up meetings with each employee and create a comfortable space for open communication. In this way, loyal employees can vent their frustrations in a professional manner, with the understanding that their voice is being heard, but without fearing of suffering repercussions.
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Allow Time
Organisational changes will require a certain adjustment period before things become routine. Allow employees time to adjust. This may mean productivity will slow down temporarily. Provide the right assistance to employees who have questions or feel confused during the transition to ensure the adjustment period goes as smoothly as possible.
