What to consider when implementing change

Before engaging in a business change programme, it’s important to understand that change and transformation exist on opposite ends of a spectrum.

A change programme evolves the culture and business operations for a small number of people. This means that workers usually experience small, incremental changes that are slowly adopted into the way that departments and businesses operate, often over longer periods of time.

Transformation programmes can be kickstarted by responding to pressures in a given market’s environment. Examples include a lack of skilled labour, economic uncertainty or global crises such as the pandemic. Due to the speed and scale of business transformation strategies, they can often be disruptive in nature and are more ‘revolutionary’ than ‘evolutionary’.

Transformation strategies are often, but not exclusively, rolled out during times when businesses must react quickly. These will typically affect a larger proportion of the workforce. This means that decision makers must ensure that any changes being made are being communicated correctly to all stakeholders. They must also be adaptable in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whilst evolution and revolution are at opposing ends of the transformation spectrum, both require careful consideration for projects to be successfully delivered.

Making short-term investments in change and transformation strategies is a proactive step to take. It can often yield greater economic rewards and help cut costs at nearly every level and department of a business.

A good example of this is the investment many public sector organisations made in modern digital infrastructure throughout the pandemic. By improving business functions, organisations can become more profitable and save money in the long term through successfully delivering change.

Public sector organisations have historically been cautious about investing their limited capital in transformation strategies. This is often due to the high level of scrutiny that the spending is under. By Investing in digital change, they have been able to adapt in an economically challenging time.

During times of economic uncertainty, it’s equally wise for private sector businesses to invest in small ways to deliver more efficient business practices. By doing so they will decrease everyday costs and provide greater opportunities for growth in the long term.

Remembering that people are at the heart of every organisation is a vital starting point. Without a committed and motivated workforce, the implementation of new strategic change is likely to come against barriers to successful delivery and impact a business’ chance of survival.

Change and transformation can often be painful necessities for the growth and survival of businesses across every sector. However, through the careful consideration of people, processes, technology and at times, infrastructure, the journey can be made much less painful.