Planning and communication are critical for organisational change. Getting top management support in implementing change can significantly improve your chances of success.
Planning organisational change
Planning for any business change will help you to ensure that changes happen the way you want them to and that you identify and control the costs of your project. To plan your organisational change effectively, you should:
- Prepare early. Take time to understand the existing situation, the cause of issues and the need for change, and what the expected impact of the change may be. Follow the tried and tested change management process and models.
- Be flexible. Assess and agree priorities but don't feel you can't change them if your circ*mstances change. Follow change management principles to help keep your project on track.
- Assess andmanage risks. Identify potential problems and barriers to organisational change and find ways to overcome them.
- Draw an organisational chart. This may help you to understand existing processes, workflows and lines of authority. Remember to update the chart if you change your business organisational structure.
- Develop a vision. Take a long-term view of how the change will affect the company and its competitive position. Communicating this vision can be a great motivator for your staff. See how tolead and motivate your staff.
- Set objectives. These will help you to measure the success of the change.
- Plan resources, assign tasks and schedule timing for the change. Assess and identify all the possible costs of change.
- Plan your communication strategy. Consider ways you will communicate the change to your employees - it demonstrates commitment if the managing director or chief executive talks personally to employees.
- Monitor and evaluate. Review the progress regularly against the objectives and make adjustments if circ*mstances change.
Role of communication in organisational change
Ongoing communication and employee engagementare vital. Meet managers and employees regularly to explain the reasons for the change, how it will be carried out and how it will affect them. Tackle rumours head-on. Make sure that managers operate an 'open door' policy to any employees who may have questions.
Talk to suppliers, partners and customers as well, and keep them informed of any changes that could affect them. Try to give this information as far ahead as possible.
Consulting employees about the change
Depending on the nature of change, you may need to comply with the Information and Consultation of Employees (ICE) Regulations.
Under the regulations, employees can request that you set up formal arrangements to inform and consult them on a range of key issues, including:
- the economic situation of the business
- job prospects
- major changes in how work is organised
At least 15 employees or 10 per cent of employees, whichever number is greater, must make the request for a formal agreement. The regulations only apply to businesses with 50 or more employees.
If you are planning redundancies as part of your organisational change, you must comply with relevant legislation.
FAQs
The Role of Communication in Change Management
What is the importance of effective communication explain your answer? ›
Benefits of Effective Communication
When communication is effective, it leaves all parties involved satisfied and feeling accomplished. By delivering messages clearly, there is no room for misunderstanding or alteration of messages, which decreases the potential for conflict.
How important is communication in management? ›
Effective communication may contribute to organizational success in many ways. It: Builds employee morale, satisfaction and engagement. Helps employees understand terms and conditions of their employment and drives their commitment and loyalty.
What is the value of effective change communication? ›
It helps employees and other stakeholders understand the importance and scope of the new initiatives. Every change communication strategy should consist of delivering timely, relevant and consistent information and documents, as well as mechanisms to share feedback, raise concerns and ask questions.
What is the importance of communication in effective leadership during times of change? ›
Communicate Early and Often
It helps to build trust and credibility by demonstrating transparency and keeping employees informed from the initial stages of the change process. It provides employees with sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming changes mentally and emotionally, reducing uncertainty and anxiety.
What are the 5 ways of effective communication? ›
Make a conscious effort to practice the following basic communication skills:
- Listening. Effective listening requires concentration, tolerance and sensitivity. ...
- Expressing yourself. ...
- Interpreting body language. ...
- Being aware of your differences. ...
- Resolving conflict.
Whether you are changing technology, business practices, leadership, or a combination of things, change management communication is essential to helping people move from where they are today to the desired “future state.”
Why is communication important in a workplace? ›
Good communication in the workplace ensures employees have the information they need to perform well, builds a positive work environment, and eliminates inefficiencies. Effective communication should accurately convey information while maintaining or improving human relationships.
What is the importance of communication? ›
Importance of Communication
Communication plays a vital part in building up a strong relationship across the world, either in organisational structure or outside of it. It is an essential pillar for people in sharing the ideas, delegating responsibilities, management of a team, building up a healthy relationship, etc.
What is the most important value of communication? ›
In our daily life, communication helps us build relationships by allowing us to share our experiences, and needs, and helps us connect to others. It's the essence of life, allowing us to express feelings, pass on information and share thoughts.
Communication is key to successful organizational change because it helps to address resistance, foster engagement, and support the adoption of the new changes. Your employees need to understand why changes are being made, how they will be affected, and what they need to do to adapt.
How does communication make you a better leader? ›
Strong communication skills allow leaders to clearly define their visions in a way that inspires and empowers the people around them, whether politically, personally, or professionally.
How do you communicate in times of change? ›
8 methods and techniques for communicating change:
- Be clear and honest when communicating change to employees. ...
- Use care when communicating organizational change. ...
- Tell employees what's in it for them. ...
- Set expectations with change management communication. ...
- Tell employees what they need to do.
Effective communication leads to productive discussions and allows for better planning. It helps employees to look into a conflict objectively without getting personal. And it strengthens the likelihood of healthy cooperation among team members.
What is most important in effective communication? ›
1. Listening. Listening is one of the most important aspects of communication. Successful listening is not just about understanding spoken or written information but also an understanding of how the speaker feels during communication.
What is the importance of learning effective communication in your field of study? ›
Students with strong communication skills can express their ideas clearly and concisely, making it easier for them to participate in class discussions, ask questions, and seek help when needed. They can also present their thoughts and arguments persuasively, leading to better grades on presentations, papers, and exams.
What are the benefits of effective communication in the workplace? ›
Top 7 benefits of workplace communication
- Communication mitigates conflict.
- It improves public relations.
- Communication fuels innovation.
- Communication builds existing skills.
- It increases job satisfaction and loyalty.
- Communication powers productivity.
- It builds a culture of teamwork and trust.
- Regular face-to-face meetings.
