Change and Morale

Change and morale are tied together more than many managers realize. People don’t like change– they fear change. That fear can stifle productivity. To avoid fear of change, the impending changes need to be sold to the employees through proper communication and the right sales pitch. Enumerate the costs and benefits of the changes you are planning and build enthusiasm before the changes begin. People become used to things being a certain way. Whether good, or bad, people get comfortable with things just the way they are because they are familiar. To get an entire team of people to adapt to changes with enthusiasm, you need to persuade them that the changes you are planning will be good for the company and good for the employees. If changes include personnel, then lots of people get nervous about their future with the company. That is understandable. If your changes involve layoffs– whether permanent or temporary– that is much harder to sell. Let’s assume that changes are just to improve efficiency. People worry about job cuts as a result of improved productivity. They need to be convinced that improved productivity can be used to help everyone work smarter, not harder. The key to success in business is to have the right people assigned to any given task. Always remember this key phrase: The efficient worker gets the job done right. The effective worker gets the right job done. When you make changes, do so with the intent of creating efficiency and placing the right people in the right positions. Then, move ahead with a common goal and you will achieve it will minimal disruption and shared enthusiasm.