Change management in the workplace

Change is one of life’s few constants. And while people generally are able to cope with change in other areas of their lives, changes at work seem to bring out the worst in them. Just mention the word and employees seem to retaliate or start to question the need for it.

Change management defined

It is this human tendency to resist change that gave way to one of the buzzwords of late; change management. Change management is not aimed at business or performance; it is the process of helping people through changes in an organisation. Change management is people-centred. It provides structure, techniques and tools to minimise resistance and trauma and to smooth the way for all parties concerned to successfully effect change in an organisation.

Managing change in an organisation is vital. Without leadership and guidance, change could put organisational culture and the morale of staff at risk, threatening the very existence of an organisation.

Simple truths about change in organisations

• • For change to be brought about successfully, employees need to buy into the changes. Employees have to understand and agree that the changes are necessary and that it will benefit the organisation and themselves.

• • No two people will react the same way to change. Differences in personality mean that some people may find it more difficult to adapt to change or take longer to accept it.

• • Change cannot be forced onto employees; forcing the issue will only breed resistance.

• • Managers must be open to feedback and appropriate criticism from employees throughout the process.

• • Managers and must be willing to admit when they lack the knowledge or skills to deal with particular issues around changes.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about change management.