However, if you address their questions and concerns now, chances are you'll win them over, and let the change continue as anticipated.
Here are seven ways to help make your workforce feel comfortable with change:
1. Know What's Causing Resistance
"It's important to watch for employees resisting change," says Brenda Harris, a business writer at Academic Paper Writing Service and Oxessays. "Chances are, your employees might be uncomfortable about the changes, and aren't sure how to communicate it to you, the manager."
Here are the most common causes of resistance in the workplace:
- Employees are unaware of why changes are being made
- Employees aren't sure how change will impact job roles
- Some people aren't good with change – past or present
- No visible support and commitment from managers
- Fear of losing job, if you were to speak against change
The sooner you figure out the causes of resistance, the sooner you can do something about them, and earn the respect and trust of your workforce.
2. Explain Why The Change
Employees would like to know why the change is happening in their company. Therefore, it's imperative for you, the manager, to communicate these changes to your workforce – the what, why, and how. And, make sure you explain the benefits that the change will bring the workforce. You can talk about the change(s) during your next meeting (whether it's in-person or virtual), rather than leave your employees in the dark until the changes have already been put in place.
3. Show Executive Support
If you're the only person wanting the change, and probably not your workforce, chances are they won't take your proposal seriously.
Employees look up to people on the executive team. Therefore, if you can get enough support from the executives (and eventually all levels of business), you and the entire company will on board with the change. Once you and the executives support the change, the rest of the workforce will follow.
4. Listen To Employee Feedback
Employees should be treated as valuable assets to your company; so, it's important to listen to what they have to say about anything – any feedback, questions, concerns, etc.
Here are some questions that you can ask your employees to get the ball rolling:
- How do feel about the change(s), so far?
- How can we make the change(s) better?
- Do you have any questions or concerns so far?
By asking questions, you'll be getting plenty of feedback from your employees. In this way, you can tailor the change(s) to where they're comfortable for the entire company.
5. Have A Plan To Implement Change
It's not easy to make change happen right away, nor is it a good idea to do so. Since change won't happen overnight, you and the company should implement it in stages.
First, preparations need to be made, before going full-throttle on the company change. And, preparation means telling your employees about it before doing anything else.
Once everyone agrees with the change, carefully start the transition from old to new, whether it's a policy change, new protocols, etc. And, as the agreed-upon plan goes into effect, make sure that everything is running smoothly, so that everyone is comfortable with that transition.
6. Show Statistics
"Although resisting change is more of an emotional thing than logical," says Hannah Tucker, an HR expert at Paper Fellows and Essayroo, "you still need to consider the numbers. It would help a lot, if you show your employees the numbers, and why they're important for the proposed change. By letting your workforce see the data, you're being sure to stay transparent with them, and showing them that you want what's best for the company."
7. Time The Change Appropriately
Again, change doesn't happen overnight, and it shouldn't. If you don't time the change correctly, or if you force change to happen, then that leaves a negative effect on how your employees view future initiatives. Set realistic timelines for changes to take effect in, even if it means taking things in stages, so that your employees can adjust to the new rules or changing of hands.
Conclusion
All companies will experience change at some point in their existence, as their industries evolve. And, as you follow these simple tips, you and your employees will understand each other more, once these changes are officially in place.
