The Importance of Change Management in 2023
As we move into 2023 with a season of austerity looming it is hard to predict what the year will bring, however 2022 has taught me a few things. As I look into my proverbial crystal ball and think about how Change Management can help organizations when facing a possible economic downturn, here are the top four predictions I would like to share.
1) Change Management Will be Elevated as a Key Ingredient in Cloud and Organizational Transformations
In 2023, we can expect to see an elevated focus on Change Management as it relates to successful implementations. Leaders are recognizing the benefits of creating clear goals, objectives, and outcomes to drive the overall momentum for change. A comprehensive Change Management strategy and support model will be a key differentiator in helping to build community and connection to reshape internal process, elevate the organizational culture and increase employee experience. This in turn will help to increase overall change adoption rates.
It is important to note that Change Management should not be seen as a separate initiative or project. It is a strategic component of any deployment that deals with the human element of change. Change Management is a key ingredient in your transformational journey or cloud implementation – being adaptive and connected is key!
“We have the opportunity to be very intentional about how we support. Leadership also has the ability to help drive the change and overall vision of the why we’re doing this – that tone from the top is crucial” – President of Medical Device Company
2) Resistance to Change Impacts Project Success
We often see resistance to change at the individual and organizational level – organizations that have not devoted the proper amount of emphasis on leadership vision, buy in and planning for digital transformation will be at risk of falling behind competitors. To remove barriers, increase trust and deliver successful change, a well-planned change strategy and leadership alignment is necessary to build for the future of the business.
We all are aware that knowing that change is coming doesn’t make it easier to accept. A proper change management plan and support model in place empowers and cultivates opportunities to innovate and to adjust to the future of their work. A change management plan contributes towards breaking down the barriers of resistance to change and creating a culture of connection and working towards the greater good together.
“The pandemic has affected the organizations and their capacity to manage change like this. The lack of interpersonal interaction, the lack of connection around community is also hurting us. This transformation is an opportunity for us to come together and build a better business together.” VP of Finance – Retail and Manufacturing Industry
3) The People are as Important as the Technology and Change
We are seeing that employees want to be involved in driving value and contributing to a successful implementation. However, they need a clear understanding of why the change is being made, how it will impact their day to day and what their role is relative to the success of the transformation. A huge pitfall to success is not recognizing the importance of upskilling, creating a company culture around the change, and allowing employees to collaborate and contribute to the overall future of the company. Community and engagement are an integral theme in our current and future state ecosystems.
Keeping employees engaged and effective is central to delivering project results. Failing to incorporate the human aspect of change into the technical change can diminish the success of your overall transformation. Change need not be viewed as unavoidable or something to slog through, but as an opportunity for employees and the to learn and grow.
“Our people and employee’s really care, they want to be involved and work towards making our organizations stronger. We are doing impactful work, so if we can have a better customer experience and deliver a more quality product by up leveling our internal systems it’s a win win.” – Customer Experience Director of Education SaaS Company
4) Leadership & Executives
In 2023, leadership will become acutely aware of the necessity of change management. Technology is only part of the equation. Employee experience, empowerment and support is at the foundation of a successful transformation. Building a culture around trust and confidence through well-developed and supported change management strategy increases the bottom line – ensuring transformational projects aligned and employees are supported and engaged along the way. It also provides the ability to sustain and scale a successful future culture of change, digital transformation and adoption. Building awareness and shifting the culture to one of agility is key to survival in today’s hybrid/digital landscape.
It is critical that employees understand the value and benefits of the transformation as it relates to them personally, and the greater good of the organization. It is helpful for leadership to explain the reasons and justifications to the business from the new technology or organizational shift while recognizing that there will be a learning curve during the transition. In order for employees to buy-in to the change they want to understand how they contribute to the overall success of the project. When leaders and organizations manage change properly, it often creates a level of trust and performance and the overall employee experience is elevated.
In conclusion, the bottom line is that change is here to stay and that is a good thing. With change comes growth when managed properly. To ensure successful projects business and leaders need to adopt a change culture and be forward thinking about the impending change. This approach and defined plan benefits both the organization and employees. by keeping in mind, the employee experience during change. Preparing, supporting, and empowering our people through change creates consistency and efficiencies for change. It mitigates the cost of poorly managed change.
To learn more about how Apps Associates can help you navigate change during your digital transformation visit – https://www.appsassociates.com/expertise/change-management or [email protected].