Business value | Communication is the key to change

Making a change to values, business process or practice, can be a daunting task for any organisation. And, when proposed changes are alongside plans to update business systems it is challenging for all involved.

However, the challenge can present opportunities to meet digital transformation ambitions and introduce systems that are up to the task, scalable and more efficient.

Change can be a large-scale undertaking that takes careful strategy and planning. Always evaluate why (and if) there is a need for change and then establish what is achievable in both the short and the long term. Do not attempt to rush change; ensure the entire organisation understands the need and importantly, how it affects them. Plan and, where necessary, invest in the resources that are required to facilitate and support the changes.

Getting your entire staff on board with change can be overwhelming, so start at the top with the attitudes, values and behaviours of senior leaders and work down. Authenticity, belief, and commitment from the top will be critical to success. After all, actions speak louder than words. Ensure that you articulate a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Make sure staff understand why there is a need for change and how they can support it. A clearly articulated vision will help to communicate the desired result and how it will benefit the overall mission and purpose of your organisation. It will need to resonate with the individual employment experience – the “employee value proposition”.