How can I help my staff accept change?

Helping staff accept change could be as simple as presenting the changes in a positive manner, or you may have to employ some innovative ideas to get the changes off to a good start with your staff.

Tutorial

For some people, change is simply no big deal. But some people hate change in any form and will resist change every step of the way. One important way to help staff accept change is to prepare them for the coming change before it takes place. While that’s not always possible because some changes are simply unforeseen, most changes in business are planned and you can help your staff get ready.

Change can be positive

Present change in a positive manner to help your staff accept it more readily. As with many situations in the workplace, the attitude of those in power will greatly impact the attitudes of the staff. If the managers, owners and supervisors are already grumbling about the change, the staff will also grumble. If the change is presented as a positive step toward something, they’re more likely to embrace the change.

Listen to your staff

You should also take time to listen to your staff after you’ve presented the proposed changes. Even if there’s nothing you can do about the situation, and even if the changes are going to take place as planned no matter what objections are voiced, give the staff time to voice those objections and any concerns they have. If they feel that you’ve at least listened to their concerns and taken time to answer questions, they’ll be more likely to accept the change without a struggle.

Finally, accept that some people are probably not going to like the changes and the best you can do is hope they’ll adjust. Some one-on-one conversations with the “nay-sayers” could help those individuals, but remember that you’re going to be listening to complaints about the changes before you get a chance to present the reasons the changes should take place.