Make change a priority
In recent years, investment in transformation projects has been changeable. From navigating economic instability and political uncertainty, to covid recovery, change programmes haven’t always been top of the priority list.
However, towards the end of 2023 we have seen a change in attitude and businesses are starting to gain a sense of clarity around their future pipelines, and are now looking to invest in delivering meaningful change.
1. Make the most of budgets
Decision-makers looking to successfully deliver change must first examine their budgets. Following this they should identify any areas where they might be underspending or have surpluses. They must also check which areas require the most investment for growth.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 18 per cent of trading businesses expected their turnover to increase. This figure is up from 15 per cent reported for August 2023. Therefore, by identifying these areas, businesses will be able to better allocate their resources for implementing change programmes.
2. How long will change programmes take?
When looking to implement change programmes, decision makers should consider realistic timescales. In most cases it’s unlikely for a project to be completed within the same quarter in which you may start it.
Make sure to approach the project holistically. This means understanding the size, scope and deliverables fully, as well as recognising the potential impact and challenges that may arise if the project should span different financial years. This way you can make sure that your change programmes are on track and delivered successfully.
3. Plan for organisational change
The planning process can be time-consuming. However, without taking this time, employers may overlook the impact that change and transformation programmes have on their employees, and essentially, the business’ work culture. For example, if you decide to implement a new system or undergo change, it’s essential to also analyse how this may affect your team and the organisation as a whole.
This could mean hiring more staff, downsizing or even redeploying teams if the new system can take care of the work more efficiently. Therefore, it is crucial to plan for the right resources and training from the beginning. This will ensure that employees are well-equipped and ready to handle any changes that may come their way.
4. Communicating with the workforce
Typically, in larger organisations, a Project Management Office (PMO) will offer a detailed roadmap of the steps that need to be taken and track the progress of the project. The PMO makes sure that your projects are completed on time and within budget. Similarly it helps to highlight any potential issues and provide solutions to ensure the project remains on track.
However, some businesses do not have this luxury. In this case, it’s key to analyse how change and transformation programmes may have affected your team. This will help identify the full-scope requirements needed to improve project delivery. Many businesses also choose to outsource PMO services based on the results of this discussion to make sure that teams receive the right guidance and support.
5. Keep the momentum going
With any transformational change, businesses need to ensure they don’t lose sight of their goal. It’s important to maintain momentum during the holiday season and beyond. An approach such as this will ensure that change can be adopted and implemented successfully.
It’s key to keep monitoring and measuring the progress of the change to ensure that it is on track and that the desired outcomes are achieved. It is important to remember that an effective transformational strategy and project management will help you to kick-start the new year successfully.