7 reasons why you need to embrace change

In the world of business, processes, procedures and people are always changing. However, it’s not necessarily easy to see the benefits of change and truly embrace it. Sometimes it requires more work, a shift in mindset and a willingness to head into the unknown. Despite the challenges, I think learning to welcome new ways of working is one of the most beneficial things any employee can do.

Here are seven reasons why you need to embrace change.

7 reasons to embrace workplace change

1) New ways of working boosts morale

Think of companies where the entire staff body knows times are tough. There’s little in the way of employee morale. Change brings with it hope and encouragement. Suddenly everyone can see that the company is moving in the right direction, trying hard to improve and see better times.

This is a much better environment for you to be in every day.

One of the benefits of embracing change is an increase in workplace moral.

2) Productivity improves

With the buzz and thrill of change, many people become more productive. Rather than getting lazy through repeating the same tasks over and over, change requires more energy and power. This might improve your own work flow and satisfaction. Alternatively, it might revolutionise the team you manage and help you get better results for your department.

3) It puts you ahead of your competitors

One way to attract new business is to offer something different to your competitors. However, you can’t do this if you don’t make changes. Being open to change also enables you to attract the best industry talent, as you become known as a business worth working for.

4) You can learn or demonstrate new skills

A change in role, or the requirements of your current position provides an excellent opportunity to show what you can do. Perhaps you can demonstrate how great your project management skills are, or writing for business, for example. You never know when these skills might help you land a new promotion or move into another department.

5) Leading change is a powerful skill

Leading change requires great communication skills as well as strategic and creative thinking. What future employer doesn’t want these skills? Even if you’re not confident in your ability to lead change  now, getting involved at the outset allows you an opportunity to perfect some of these new skills in a way your day-to-day doesn’t.

Leading workplace change brings with an opportunity to embrace new skills and working methods.

6) You get to shape the workplace you want

Leading the change is an empowering position to be in. If you’ve been wishing your organisation was more flexible with working hours or how you resolve customer issues, here’s your chance to raise it. Providing a solid reasoning for the particular change you’re pushing is crucial. This is much easier when everyone’s already in the right mindset.

7) Innovation becomes the norm

In an environment where change is normal and positively welcomed, there’s no reason to stay stagnant. This type of culture encourages colleagues to think about new ways of doing things all the time. It makes it clear that making suggestions is okay. Come up with as many ideas as you like, and share them with your team.

Leading and dealing with change

While change isn’t easy, it is something you can learn to adapt to, manage and lead. Think long term by trying to understand the change benefits the business going forward. Even if it’s time consuming now, will it save money or help win new business in the future? No one ever knows for sure what’s going to happen with a new idea until they try it out.  Remember this as you attempt new ways of working.

At ICML, we’d love to help you build the skills to lead the change in your organisation with our Leading Change training program. Contact us today to learn more.