In English-language resources on leadership and business organisation, you may often encounter a phenomenon known as "change fatigue", a state in which employees feel exhaustion, disengagement or resistance when their company undergoes frequent or prolonged changes. This typically occurs when a company is going through a transformation or working in a rapidly evolving environment. However, change fatigue can also occur at team level. How can you combat this problem and help your team overcome it?
Focus only on genuine priority changes
As stated by Management Today, change fatigue often arises when not only are there too many changes, but also all of them are given the same level of priority. It is impossible to focus on fifteen highly critical changes simultaneously; therefore, companies (or team leaders) need to define which ones are truly essential and limit their focus to just a few priority changes which everyone should concentrate on.
Clearly explain to employees why changes are necessary
Change fatigue often stems from a lack of understanding of ongoing changes. When employees perceive changes as unnecessary or even counterproductive, frustration builds more easily. It is crucial to explain to subordinates why these changes are necessary and to illustrate, using concrete examples, why the planned transformations are also in their own personal interest.
Involve employees in the change process
Employees may feel disengaged or resistant when decisions about changes are made without their input. The solution is to offer all employees, including those in non-leadership roles, an opportunity to participate in both the preparation and implementation of changes, allowing them to be an integral part of the process.
Provide employees with maximum support and appropriate training
As a team leader, you should advocate for your employees to receive the strongest possible support from management. Change is always challenging, and employees should not be left to struggle on their own. Provide them with the maximum possible assistance and flexibility, and ensure they receive adequate training on how to navigate and work effectively in the new environment.
-mm-