Mark Hamade

Change at the job place can be for the better; such as a change in pay structure that leads to higher employee income or a change in the vacation policy that results in more days off. Those are changes that are obviously for the better and are welcomed with open arms. However, what about the changes that take place in a company when the changes don’t have easily measured results that favor the employees? These changes are viewed with disinterest or distrust.

Many people like to do like they’ve always done and are resistant to change but it doesn’t have to be that way. This article should help you and your team make a smooth transition when changes are to take place.

Explain the Need

The first important step is to explain why the change needs to be made instead of just telling them to do it. Perhaps you are adding new steps to making a widget because you’ve received a safety citation about the quality of the widget. Explain this to your team and they’re more likely to jump on board with the changes. Additionally, they may bring up other concerns that you haven’t thought of.

Provide Training

After you’ve explained why the change is necessary, be sure to provide any extra training your employees might need to implement it. They need to have the tools and resources available to get the newly-defined task done. There is nothing worse than asking for changes but not giving them the means to achieve what you would like them to do.

Be Patient

There may be a learning curve that goes along with the changes but do what it takes to help your employees. Be patient and realize that changes can take time to get up and running with efficiency. Also take note that the longer someone has been doing a certain task, the more resistant they might be to stepping out of their comfort zone.

Be a Good Example

Lastly, but also very important, be an example for others to follow. Demonstrate your support for the change and model the change. Be consistent and committed to making it work, don’t act like a victim yourself. How does it help to grumble about it under your breath?

Change is not easy for people, especially when the benefits are not easily seen and it seems suspicious. Make it work by explaining why the change is necessary, how it helps the company (and ultimately them.) Give them the resources and training they require and be a good example of the change to help it all go smoother.