Think back to the beginning of 2020 when everyone was determined to make this year the best one yet: when we all promised we’d implement those processes and make big changes. Then our world was turned upside-down. Even without the additional challenges this year brought, organizational change is difficult. Most large-scale changes had to wait while the workforce had to quickly adapt to working remotely with rapidly changing requirements — plus a global pandemic.

As things slowly transition to a more stable pace, you might be ready to implement a change that was delayed. But is it the wrong time for change? Or is your business ready to embrace a new opportunity? Here at Momentum, we help our clients understand the best time to implement process improvement in this new environment.

Why Do We Resist Change?

Even if an outdated or inefficient process needs to change, managers and leaders still often encounter resistance. Any business that wants to succeed in an increasingly competitive world needs to improve processes to make them as efficient and effective as possible. As an organization grows, and the larger the gap between leadership and employees, the likelihood of encountering aversion to the improvements.

What many leaders don’t understand is that the resistance is rooted in something deeper than the change itself. Workers resist organizational change for more emotional reasons, such as:

• Fear of losing something of value, such as their job
• Fear that they do not have the knowledge, skills, or ability to make the change
• Belief that the change will result in a higher workload or additional steps to a process
• Lack of training or guidance for making the change

Successful organizations know that people must be the priority. Managing the people affected by the change requires addressing these emotional roadblocks first. Leaders must first ask themselves how they will support their employees’ needs before any effective, long-lasting change can occur.

Timing is Everything When Improving Processes

Even without a pandemic, implementing a new process is already difficult. If your company had intended to implement a new technology to improve an existing process, you probably already expected to manage the change a certain way. When pandemic lockdowns rippled across the country, those changes were likely put on hold to adjust to establishing a remote workforce. How can leaders determine when it’s time to begin a new process?

1. Invest in Remote Work Collaboration Tools

Many businesses were unprepared for a long-term remote work situation, and some still struggle with information technology support. Before considering a new change, ensure basic needs are met, whether that’s sending a second monitor to an employee, giving employees access to the appropriate software and network drives, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts.

2. Establish Short-Term Metrics For Success

In most cases, the bigger picture is well established before a process improvement begins. Training gaps, outdated processes, or inefficiencies are identified first, then a strategy is developed to fill the gap. But what does success look like in the short-term? Are there specific, measurable, and visible indicators for success to keep employees engaged in the effort? Avoid change fatigue by celebrating small victories and demonstrating the value in the change.

3. Demonstrate Robust Two-Way Communication

Do employees feel that they can approach the leadership team with feedback and that their feedback is valued? Have suggestions been implemented? A collaborative environment is important to keeping employees engaged, regardless of upcoming process changes. Earn employee buy-in by explaining the reason for the changes instead of sending down abstract requirements. Clear communication and openness to feedback is critical to success.

Process Improvement with Momentum

Momentum, Inc. has supported clients across a broad range of industries and we are proud to partner with our clients as they navigate challenging environments. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can support you.