A number of internal and external factors are driving change in the average workplace, such as economic conditions, new technologies, growth, and competition.
While the average business owner or manager understands the importance of changing to future-proof their operations, not all employees do, and nor do they always take all changes in stride. If you’re about to embark on a new business direction and need your team’s full support, you might like to take some of the following actions.
Educate Yourself
You might know that altering your business operations is the key to future success, but you might not yet have the necessary skills to drive that change and keep your employees on your side. However, you might be able to gain helpful knowledge and skills by earning a graduate certificate in change management online. Such a course can provide insight into the steps you need to take to successfully lead change with your team’s full support.
Communicate the Changes Before They Happen
Irrespective of changes in your business being large or small, it doesn’t hurt to communicate what they are to your employees before they happen. Doing so might lessen the shock and help your team understand the reasons for the changes and the benefits to them when they occur.
Not only can communicating ensure your workers can prepare for anything that impacts their daily work, but it can also help ensure they’re well aware of your reasoning for the changes in the first place.
Listen to Feedback
While you might have complete confidence in the changes you’ve made and the benefits they’ll bring, that doesn’t mean they will suit everyone. Listen to employee feedback to gain insight into any challenges they’re facing or concerns regarding their roles and the impact the changes have on them.
By listening to employee feedback and promoting an open-door policy, you might be able to ensure that any new changes you’ve implemented are in the best interests of your team, not just your bottom line.
Provide Training
When workplace changes involve new technology or processes, it’s not uncommon for employees to feel unsure or daunted. They might have been doing their jobs a particular way for several years, and now they’re working with something new or unfamiliar.
Don’t assume that your team will quickly adjust and troubleshoot on their own. If you plan to welcome new technology, make sure you put training in place so they can navigate it with confidence.
Be Supportive
Many business owners make the mistake of adopting a ‘like it or lump it’ approach to organizational changes. While you don’t need your team’s approval before modifying your own business, your approach to change might impact just how well-received it is.
Be empathetic and supportive of any challenges your employees face during the adjustment phase, and provide extra training for whoever needs it. You might even see the value in modifying roles for particular staff members to reduce their stress levels while they learn the ropes.
Adjusting to change is never easy, regardless of whether you’re a business owner or employee. However, it can be necessary for advancement and growth. By taking these actions above, you might enjoy a far more seamless and stress-free approach to changes that can drive your business forward.
