Navigating Change Fatigue: Ways to Sustain Employee Engagement
In today’s rapidly evolving world, change has become the new norm. Companies are constantly adapting to market shifts, technological advancements, and changing customer demands. But with all this ongoing change, a concerning phenomenon has emerged: change fatigue.
Change fatigue occurs when employees feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and disengaged due to frequent changes within an organisation. This can significantly impact employee engagement and overall effectiveness. With the constant pace of change, employees can feel unmotivated, unproductive, and unsatisfied with their jobs.
The impact of change fatigue
Research conducted by Ouedrago and Ouakouak (2020) sheds light on the causes and consequences of change fatigue for employees. The study reveals that when employees are exposed to prolonged organisational changes, combined with a lack of support and communication, it can cause fatigue and cynicism among employees. Similarly, another study undertaken by Casey (2021) also highlights how change fatigue negatively affects work engagement and increases turnover intention. These findings underscore the importance of implementing proactive strategies to address this issue. Below are a few suggested ways to overcome the challenges presented by change fatigue.
Moderating change fatigue:
If you notice your employees showing signs of change fatigue, there are steps you can take to mitigate its negative impact on their engagement:
- Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and honestly about the reasons for change, what you expect to achieve, and the support available to employees. This includes any potential changes that may be coming up whether big or small. By doing so, this reduces uncertainty and builds trust, thus creating an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking clarification.
- Employee Involvement: Get employees involved in the change process to increase their sense of ownership and commitment. Ask for feedback, provide opportunities for input, and involve them in decision-making. This fosters empowerment and reduces feelings of alienation.
- Building Resilience: Help employees cope with change by providing them with tools and resources. Offer training on stress management, resilience-building techniques, and access to support networks. This will enable employees to navigate change more effectively.
Avoiding change fatigue:
As the popular saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and the same applies to change fatigue too.
- Change Readiness Assessment: Doing a comprehensive assessment of an organisation’s readiness for change can help identify potential obstacles and develop targeted solutions. It is important to understand employees’ concerns, perceptions, and readiness for change in order to customise the approach and reduce resistance. Additionally, it is essential to take into account how employees experience change, rather than solely focusing on the desired outcomes of changed behaviours. By prioritising the desired experience, leaders can then work backwards to pinpoint the specific change actions required to create that experience.
- Cultivating a Culture of Adaptability: Creating a culture that embraces adaptability and continuous learning can help organisations thrive in the face of change. People often resist change as it contradicts our innate desire for comfort and safety in uncertain situations. Changes, especially those that are poorly communicated, can be anxiety-inducing as we tend to fear the unknown. Alternatively, by encouraging experimentation, innovation, and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth, organisations can promote resilience and agility among their employees. This is particularly effective when these values are fostered by everyone in the organisation.
In essence, change fatigue poses a major challenge to employee engagement and organisational performance. By being proactive in managing change fatigue and preventing it from happening, organisations can maintain employee engagement, foster resilience, and succeed in an ever-changing environment. As leaders and agents of change, it is crucial to prioritise the well-being and engagement of employees in the midst of constant change.
If you are curious to know how your employees truly feel about change, or are wondering if your organisation needs to revamp their approach to managing it, then look no further than our employee surveys! Our team of highly experienced experts are dedicated to helping you gain valuable insights into the thoughts and feelings of your people. We will provide you with a deeper understanding of employee sentiments towards change, enabling you to make informed decisions and drive positive transformation within your organisation. Contact us now!