Changing times: how to get your people on board

Whether it’s technology, the economy or people, if 2020 has shown anything it’s that the world is constantly changing. To survive and thrive, companies of all shapes and sizes need to move with the times or risk being left behind. But however necessary or beneficial changes may be for both employees and customers, getting your colleagues to embrace these changes can be easier said than done. In fact, the technical challenges of change often pale in comparison to the most significant obstacle of all — internal resistance.

So, whether you’re setting up new tech platforms, updating your payment processes, implementing travel policy changes or transitioning to a new travel management company (TMC), how can you remove the fear of change and get staff to actively embrace the new norms? 

Turning 'But…' into 'Yes!'

Change is essential to improve your programme, however it’s a universal truth that whilst people often say they like change, many of us naturally resist it. It feels risky. It threatens our routines and undermines our feelings of security. In fact, there are a whole host of reasons why we resist change; according to the Harvard Business Review these include loss of control, uncertainty, concerns around competence and extra work. Thankfully, there are several tried and tested best practices to follow to help get your colleagues on board. 

1. Understand

Before starting, it’s essential to understand the lay of the land. What does your current system, process or policy look like? Do your colleagues follow them? And if not – why not? Get input and feedback from stakeholders across your business to help understand behaviours, drivers and pain points. You can then develop solutions that are easier, simpler and better for them – giving you the best chance of adoption.

2. Communicate

A common cause of traveller friction is simply not being told the reasoning behind policy changes. Good communication is the cornerstone of any successful change management, so work with your travel team to identify the best ways to let people know what’s happening and why – and what this means for them.

3. Motivate

One of the easiest ways to encourage your colleagues is to highlight the positive aspects of the change and make them active participants. Put simply, say what’s in it for them. From time savings to increased safety, by highlighting the benefits your colleagues will adapt because they want to, not because they’re being asked to.  

4. Check-in

Your implementation won’t happen overnight; even the smallest changes take time to become ingrained. Take regular temperature checks, ask for feedback to identify any issues and talk to your Travel Manager as the changes are being rolled out to gauge how you’re tracking against your objectives. They can analyse any policy leaks using reporting and metrics and create new tactics to combat non-compliance.

Whilst resistance to change is natural, for a successful organisation transformation it’s essential to get your people onboard. After all, companies can’t change if their people don’t.  At Corporate Traveller we’ve helped thousands of businesses implement changes in their travel programme quickly, easily and successfully. Our change management support takes the work off your hands, and is designed to save you time faster, save you money faster and deliver a better travel experience for your workforce faster. So, if you’re ready to make a change, get in touch to ask how we can help.