According to recent data from Gallup, 73% of today’s employees report that their organization has experienced disruptive change within the past year. While constant change has become par for the course in today’s volatile business landscape, it has produced some unexpected negative effects among the workforce.
Global business research firm Gartner found that 54% of HR leaders have reported that their employees are suffering from what’s known as “change fatigue.” This occurs when employees start to feel mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by constant organizational changes. It may show up in different ways (including frustration, resistance, or reduced productivity) depending on how each employee handles stress.
One proven way to combat change fatigue across your workforce is to prioritize transparent communication during times of uncertainty. Here’s why your communication plan is so critical to ensuring success if your organization is in a transformational period.
Why Is Transparent Communication So Important?
Recent data shows that the average employee may experience as many as 10 planned enterprise changes over the course of a year. Unfortunately, the fatigue and overwhelm that come with being in a near-constant state of flux can easily become a business risk.
In an environment of rapid change, many employees report serious dissatisfaction with their jobs; just 18% of such employees report being highly satisfied with their role.
This state of low morale can lead to high turnover, as 51% of workers say they’re actively looking for a new position. Among those who stay, engagement continues to plummet, with only 31% of employees reporting that they feel focused on their duties each day.
How Poor Communication Leads to Negative Outcomes
It isn’t just the change itself that prompts stress, disengagement, low productivity, and high turnover. It’s often poor communication that affects employees the most.
According to Gallup, less than half of employees know what’s expected of them at work, a problem that can be exacerbated when managers are unsure of what’s coming down the pipeline or how to handle recent changes.
When employees don’t know what’s going on, their work environment becomes a breeding ground for misinformation, anxiety, and mistrust. A lack of clarity about their role and their future can add to workers’ stress and slow down their productivity and momentum, which can have even greater negative effects on a collective scale.
Consequently, leaders need to learn how to communicate well when the organization is attempting to navigate a significant shift in direction.
Tips for Communicating Transparently and Avoiding Change Fatigue
Gallup data shows that just 13% of employees agree that their leadership team communicates effectively across the organization. To improve the state of company-wide communication, the following tips can help you foster trust, reduce stress, and strengthen loyalty when things are shifting.
Be Proactive and Consistent
Remember that you don’t have to wait until you’re in the midst of a crisis to communicate with your employees. Providing regular updates to your team can keep the lines of communication open and build greater trust.
Be Honest About Uncertainties
Pretending that everything is fine or that you have all the answers can easily backfire. Share what you know about how upcoming changes may impact the organization and each individual team, but make sure to note what may still be up in the air.
It may also be helpful to give employees a timeline for when they might expect more information about matters that are currently unclear.
Encourage Open Communication
Consider using group meetings or town hall-style gatherings to keep employees informed about what’s going on and allow them to share feedback and get answers to their questions. This is yet another way to promote trust and ensure that you’re responding to employee concerns in a timely manner.
Tailor Your Messaging to Each Stakeholder
Effective communication requires you to do more than just offer cookie-cutter explanations. Each employee needs to be aware of how ongoing changes may affect their specific role or department. Make sure you’re addressing the unique needs of each stakeholder group so your people have a clear idea of what to expect.
Clear Communication Helps Employees Adapt to Uncertainty
Rapid and unpredictable shifts can place an emotional burden on employees. However, the right communication plan can put their minds at ease and help them find stability amid the stress of constant change.
By making a point of keeping your employees in the loop, you can empower them to stay productive, increase their morale and sense of satisfaction, and improve the chances that your top performers will stick around to help you build the future you’re envisioning.
