When your company introduces a new policy, it generally produces positive results. But at first, it may be a hard thing for people to accept. And unless you ensure buy-in from every stakeholder, right from start, ensuring the effectiveness of a new policy may be a tough challenge.

Some people thrive on change. Others, not so much. In the latter case, fear of the unknown can lead to stress, uncertainty or distress. How do you ensure a smooth launch for a change in your employees’ workday lives?

Think Before You Act
Strategic planning and a careful, step-by-step introduction are critical to successfully implementing new policies. Even if the process must be completed within a tight time frame, the right advance preparation can make a tremendous difference in how well change is received.

  • Before you launch it, make sure you know the policy inside out. This is essential for you to succeed in introducing it to others and ensuring buy in.
  • Prep your management team. Before introducing a new policy to rank-and-file employees, communicate with and train their supervisors. Arm them with talking points so they can be prepared when confronted with questions.

Communicate
Consider each and every person who will be impacted by your new or revised policy. Design and implement a communications plan to reach every stakeholder.

  • Make an announcement. Use a multi-media approach to get the word out. Post the news on a team forum or wiki and bulletin boards. Send it out via email and feature it in newsletters. Hold Town Hall sessions and small-group meetings.
  • Make employees part of the process. Engage them in setting up meetings, taking minutes, and spreading the word. They are your eyes and ears, and the most credible source for their peers.
  • Be transparent. Provide employees with as much information as possible. Focus on what the change means to them.
  • Provide supporting documentation. Handouts, flyers, on-line updates and ongoing frequently-asked-question (FAQ) documents are extremely valuable.

Make Training a Priority
It can be tough to pull people away from work for training, but it is extremely necessary, particularly during times of change. Make these resources available:

  • Qualified, informed trainers.
  • Equipment. Now is not the time to skimp on AV, flip charts, hardware, software, or whatever else is needed to get the job done.
  • Time. Hold as many training sessions as necessary to cover everyone, on all shifts. Include make-up sessions as needed.

Listen and Learn
As you roll out your new policy, give employees ample opportunity to comment, ask questions, and make suggestions. Not only does this help to get everyone on board, but it also may produce helpful tips.

Give credit for all input and make subject matter experts available to address concerns and dialogue with employees as your new policy is implemented. It’s a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself many times over.

By partnering with a specialized staffing firm, you have access to a full range of resources to assist you as you work through change – and use it to the benefit of your organization. Have additional questions? Contact the team at Premium Staffing to learn more. We are more than happy to address any questions you may have.

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