Why your employees might be resistant to change

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Implementing changes in a business could be very difficult but even more if employees are not in favour of the changes. By knowing why employees might be resistant to change, effective communication strategies and media could be developed in advance to overcome any obstacles and to adequately inform employees about the changes (also read my post on how to communicate changes).

Here are the five most common reasons why employees might resist the changes you want to implement in your business:

Employees do not really see or understand the need for any changes.

Fear of management changing the status quo.

Reluctance to work with other colleagues or in different teams.

Employees not willing to take on more responsibilities.

Employees might fear retrenchments, early retirement or other issues that might threaten their long-term security in the business.

Honest and open communication play a crucial role in implementing changes in the business. Employees need to receive detailed information about how changes will affect their position in the business. As a manager you need to discourage any rumours which might make employees even more resistant to change. Also allow enough time for your employees to become used to and prepare for the changes. In addition allow for enough feedback opportunities and also listen to your employees' concerns or any other suggestions. Employees must trust you and accept the changes as being the best for the business. The biggest mistake any manager could make is to withhold any important information related to the intended change.

The role of the manager in effective business communication

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Storytelling is referred to by some experts as the future of internal communication. Telling stories is not new and has been around for thousands of years. Many psychologists can tell you that something is better remembered if it is linked to a compelling story. This is just how our brains work. This is why storytelling can be a powerful internal communication tool to engage and inspire employees. Using stories for internal communication messages could evoke a shared sense of identity due to an emotional connection with the stories. Language The Coca-Cola Brand is renowned for its stories. can be used to the business' advantage as it can evoke such emotional connection with other employees and what the business stands for. Businesses therefore now also use stories to share or explain their business culture or goals. The business can, for example, use stories to explain difficult data, facts, and figures. Stories can also provide some added insight into its operations a

About Ethical Communication and Management's Role

Ethical communication occurs when it is honest, open, fair and mindful of all employees' rights. It is not surprising that the management of a business could play a pivotal role to set the example to employees. They should lead by example, reward ethical behaviour as well as create an awareness of ethics in general. The corporate values of the business are imperative in that they guide the ethical behaviour of employees. It is important for employees to understand the difference between right and wrong behaviour in the workplace. Business' values are usually related but not limited to human rights, employee development, health and safety, discrimination and respect for others as well as working conditions. How can a manager instill ethical communication practices in the business? By, for example: creating an awareness of the values of the business through continuous communication having ethical roundtable discussions with employees blog postings on the business&

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