I have personally dealt with a major organizational change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I personally feel like the announcement and implementation of the change went terrible, not only for me but for most. I also realize the pandemic was unprecedented however I feel as if the organization I work for could have done a better job with the change. After the change was complete and I got insight from the leaders in charge of supporting the change, I realized they were in a similar situation. Those leaders were dealing with a forced unexpected change just like the employees. One thing in particular that I think could have been done better was explaining why the change was occurring and supporting that explanation with data. Without reasoning, the employees resented the change and a majority of them left the organization.
During an organizational change initiative, when breaking the news to employees, the setting should be formal and professional. Since employees are undoubtably going to be distraught, taking matters seriously is the least the leaders can do. I don’t think humor should be involved when relaying a major organizational change. I do however think that optimism, empathy, and excitement should be included in the reveal(Palmer, Dunford, & Buchanan, XXXXXXXXXXI think this meeting should include everyone on the team and should be in person. Allowing employees to stay after the meeting for specific questions as well as opening up the floor for general questions with everyone is a good idea.
When it comes to announcing personnel change, the leader providing this information should be very confident. Employees need to portray that their new position will be successful or a new leader stepping into a role will be a winner. “Explain to the employees why he/she was chosen to change positions. Highlight the skills you believe he/she possesses and how they can use them in this transition to the new position. Point out that you believe they can succeed and that the company is behind them. Instill confidence in the employee(Miksen).”
References
Miksen, C. (n.d.).How to Tell an Employee of a Change in Position.Retrieved from Chron: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/announce-new-staff-person-24997.html
Palmer, I., Dunford, R., & Buchanan, D. A. (2002).MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE: A MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES APPROACH (4th ed.).Retrieved from RedShelf: https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/1777295/sp/ XXXXXXXXXX/mi/ XXXXXXXXXX?cfi=%2F4%2F4&menu=table-of-contents