Change is an inevitable part of any organisation and can have far-reaching benefits in terms of efficiency and innovation. But as with any transformation, change comes with its own set of challenges—one of which we like to call ‘change fatigue’. This occurs when employees become overwhelmed by the constant need to adjust to new processes and procedures. It can lead to reduced motivation and morale, decreased productivity, and ultimately — change failure. In this blog post, we'll discuss why ignoring change fatigue can be a major contributor to change failure.
Change fatigue refers to the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that employees feel when they are continuously asked to adjust their behaviour or processes in order to fit the demands of a changing environment. It's essentially the result of trying too hard to stay ahead of the curve while making sure you don't fall behind it at the same time—something that can be incredibly taxing on both your body and mind.
If left unchecked, change fatigue can have serious consequences for an organisation. Not only does it lead to reduced morale and motivation among employees, but it also contributes to higher levels of stress—something that can lead to health problems down the line as well as decreased productivity in the short term. Additionally, when employees are constantly dealing with feelings of burnout due to change fatigue, they may be less likely to take initiative or come up with creative solutions that could help move the company forward.
Furthermore, ignoring change fatigue can also contribute directly to change failure. When employees are experiencing high levels of stress due to constantly being asked to adjust their behaviour or processes without being given adequate resources or support from their managers, they may become resistant or apathetic towards any further changes that are proposed—which could then lead directly to those changes failing in implementation.
Change fatigue can be a serious obstacle for organisations looking to grow and adjust with changing business conditions. Taking the necessary steps to minimise change fatigue will not only help ensure that change efforts succeed, but also improve employee morale, reduce health risks, and create a positive workplace culture. These steps may include implementing a clear scope of the change, sharing information early and often, providing adequate training and support during the transition period, being flexible in the approach taken to implement changes, and rewarding employees for their hard work. With these precautions in place, organisations are better positioned to reap long-term successes from changes instead of suffering short-term losses due to exhaustion or burnout. With proper guidance and support in place, everyone will learn to embrace their new reality and adapt accordingly. Ultimately, when change fatigue is handled properly, it has the potential to greatly improve employee engagement and productivity long after the change has occurred.
If you're looking to make a change in your business, come chat with us about how we could help.