What to do if staff is struggling with change
No one likes change, we all know it. However, change is often not only good, but necessary. In the fast-paced business environment, where competitors are continuously improving and innovating, being able and willing to change is akin to a survival instinct. Still, some employees can’t help but resist it.
Let’s take a look at how you can overcome it in order to move your business forward:
- Explain why.Be transparent, explain and help your employees understand why the change is necessary. Your goal is not to force them to accept it, but to make them realize it on their own. It will also show that you value them as individuals and professionals and add to the harmony in the workplace.
- Be sensitive.Opening the lines of communication is two-way. Listen to what your employees have to say on the matter. It might seem to you that a change should happen the certainway, but hearing what the rest of the staff have to say can open you up to new ideas. It is important to let everyone know that even though the change is coming, your level of respect to them is going to remain as strong as ever.
- Talk about opportunities.People are reluctant to accept change until they find out what they can get along with it – higher pay, promotions, better hours, benefits, etc. Know your employees and appeal to them on an individual basis. You can also take the alternative route and inform them of what they are going to be missing out on if they don’t change their minds.
- Ease staff into their new roles.Having completed the change doesn’t mean the transition and challenges are over – you need to make sure your staff settles-in well into it. Provide them with some time, set-up mentoring partnerships between them, conduct frequent performance evaluations to make sure everyone is comfortable in the new role.
- Be patient.Depending on how significant their roles have changed, provide your employees with some time to try new skills in a low-pressure situation. Treat the first few weeks as training. Not everyone will be ready to jump straight into the new role and apply new skills in practice. Keep yourself available as mentor and guide them through the changes.
It certainly takes a lot of communication, open-mindedness and planning, but with the right approach and people, anything is possible, often leading to good things. So, don’t be afraid of change and remember: the only thing that never changes is that everything changes.