WHICH TYPE OF CHANGE IS TOUGHEST ON TEAMS?
Change can be gradual or abrupt, dramatic or subtle. It happens in good times and bad, whether we’re prepared for it or not. How well does your team handle change in the workplace? Here’s what The Creative Group and AIGA discovered in a survey of more than 750 creative professionals nationwide.
TEAMS HAVE THE HARDEST TIME ADAPTING TO:
1. Changes in internal processes and procedures (e.g., new approval process)
| 7% Very easy |
| 42% Easy |
| 41% Challenging |
| 10% Very challenging |
2. Changes in staffing (e.g., new coworkers, restructuring)
| 9% Very easy |
| 43% Easy |
| 38% Challenging |
| 10% Very challenging |
3. Changes in business direction (e.g., new products/services/messaging)
| 16% Very easy |
| 47% Easy |
| 32% Challenging |
| 5% Very challenging |
4. Changes in technology (e.g., new design software)
| 18% Very easy |
| 56% Easy |
| 22% Challenging |
| 4% Very challenging |
CHANGE ISN’T ALWAYS EASY
Less than half (45%) of creative professionals believe change at their organization is carefully considered and well planned.
While 47% of creative professionals feel employees are involved in planning and implementing change, the other 53% disagree.
Only half of creative professionals say they receive adequate training and information to keep up with changes in the industry.
About two-thirds (64%) of creative professionals feel their leadership team is open to different ideas and opinions.
5 TIPS FOR NAVIGATING CORPORATE CHANGE
Help staff adjust faster and with less anxiety using these strategies
1. EXPLAIN THE CHANGES
Explain the impact of impending changes on individual team members and the whole group.
Help your team integrate new priorities and additional responsibilities to minimize anxiety and stress.
2. INVOLVE YOUR TEAM
Give your team an opportunity to talk about how they’ll handle the changes.
Use brainstorming sessions to spark dialogue and foster collaboration.
3. GET ORGANIZED
Encourage your team to make full use of project management software and other organizational tools to handle competing assignments and deadlines.
4. PROVIDE ONGOING SUPPORT
Ensure your team has adequate resources to take on new duties.
Offer additional training to prevent “trial-by-fire” pressure.
Bring in freelancers to help with projects as your staff gets up to speed.
5. RUN INTERFERENCE
Be an intermediary for your team and clients when necessary.
CREATIVE TEAM OF THE FUTURE
© 2015 The Creative Group. A Robert Half Company. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 750 in-house AIGA members nationwide.
Responses may not total 100 percent due to rounding.
