04/03/22< Back to news index
Before COVID struck, many companies were already improving their workplaces, emphasising staff well-being and up-to-date technology. You can protect these gains, and your investment in them, by facilitating changes to new types of working. We can optimise our success in adapting to the post-COVID workplace by effective Change Management. As with design, it is always wise to consider your company's specific needs when managing change. Not every option will suit you or your workers.
How easily Change Management can be achieved depends on your company culture. This is an area worth improving if necessary; establishing trust helps create a strong communications strategy. This is most significant for medium-sized companies. Small companies can manage change through workplace meetings and large organisations can use their human resources specialists. Companies with over 100 employees usually benefit from expert help, especially in the early stages, and some design companies are even offering additional Change Management services.
For various reasons, many employees are keen to continue working from home, which may influence their future job choices. They will include staff who you want or need to spend at least part of their time in the office. It will pay to consider their needs, as there is now far more home-based work available on the market and if a company is too prohibitive of flexible working, they could lose good people. The solution will probably be a hybrid office environment including virtual integration. It is vital to consider everything your team might need in order to return to the office with confidence.
Working methods are important. We are used to working from home, but the office is also a social place and some workers miss this aspect. Attendance for projects, virtual if preferred, would accommodate both preferences safely. With social distancing likely to remain necessary, even simple re-organisation can help. You have probably already re-organised workspaces and installed necessary hygiene requirements such as hand sterilisers.
Now, you need a Change Management strategy, along with digital resources. Generations - and individuals - have different abilities and concerns. Some are more tech-savvy than others. Rather than announce changes, ask for everyone's input at all stages of the process, related to their tasks. New ideas are more acceptable when you were consulted, and your opinions considered. Employees who feel valued are more productive, and loyal to their company - workshops, surveys and consultation are just a few useful tools.
If you are not sure where to begin, feel free to drop us a line.