Involve your staff in changes [4 tips]
Here are 4 tips to involve your staff in organizational changes, reducing the likelihood of turnover.
How to involve your staff in changes within your organization
Numbers are used to set the course. But if you don't invest in your people, you'll never see the numbers you want. I'll give you 4 tips to involve your staff in changes within your organization, reducing the likelihood of turnover.
How to involve your staff in changes within your organization
Every organization has it: data. Think of figures from the annual report and/or personnel administration. Data becomes truly valuable when used smartly, allowing you to see at a glance how your organization is doing and how you can respond to future scenarios, for example, in case of rising inflation or a business sale.
Making choices
This insight brings consequences. From a strategic perspective, you might decide to:
- revise your structure;
- proceed with a reorganization or;
- restructure processes and roles within your company.
Financially, this may seem interesting. However, what I often see in practice is that the most important steering mechanism in this entire scenario is forgotten: your staff.
Numbers are used to determine the course. But if you don't invest in your people, you'll never achieve the numbers you want to see.
You naturally want your staff to embrace business developments, especially in these times when retaining staff is challenging and a strong employer brand is highly relevant. But if you involve them only after a decision has been made or, even worse, after certain steps have already been taken, you face a greater risk of resistance and staff choosing to leave. How then do you ensure the continuity and liquidity of your organization?
Natasja Pierik
Senior HR adviseur
1. Express your appreciation
Invest in development opportunities and provide your staff with security. This can take many forms, but the most important thing is that you meet your employees' needs. Show them that they matter and that you listen to them. Transform a 'performance review' into a meaningful conversation, where you make agreements with each other and express mutual expectations.
2. Show your staff that you trust them
This can be done, for instance, by allowing them, when the situation permits, to also work from home.
3. Offer your staff (tax-free) compensation
Consider what the work-related expenses scheme (WKR) might mean. The WKR is a collective arrangement for allowances and benefits for your employees. In this blog, my colleague Leonie explains the possibilities you have as an employer.
4. Be transparent about what you are going to do or your plans
You might decide to hire new staff, or you might want to reduce or retrain your workforce so that people can be deployed more flexibly. All of this impacts your staff and your business results, so ensure good communication with them.
Employees also want to be informed about how the company is doing and whether their personal efforts are visible. Therefore, organize meetings and share successes. But even if things are not going well, it's important to share this too, along with explaining the efforts being made to turn the tide.
In short...
Positive results in your organization are largely determined by employees who feel good and are willing to embrace changes. They make the difference. So, make sure you pay enough attention to this, and you will achieve the numbers you want to see.
Do you have any questions or want to know more? Feel free to contact me.
