A recent survey highlights a significant readiness gap in organisational change management.
- Approximately 23% of HR professionals believe their managers are unprepared for leading changes.
- Around 33% of employees are deemed not ready for strategic organisational shifts.
- There is a notable absence of upskilling for leaders, affecting change management.
- Common organisational challenges include inadequate communication strategies and lack of dedicated change teams.
A recent survey by Censuswide, commissioned by Right Management, has brought to light a substantial readiness gap within organisations undergoing change. Of the 1,000 HR professionals surveyed in the UK, 23% assert that their managers are ill-equipped to lead organisational changes, which may encompass structural, technological, remedial, or cultural shifts.
The research further reveals that 33% of employees are perceived as not ready for strategic organisational changes, indicating a widespread hesitancy or lack of preparation at various levels.
Alarmingly, one in five HR professionals reported that their organisation fails to provide specific upskilling opportunities for leaders tasked with managing change. Lorraine Mills, Principal Consultant at Right Management, emphasised the importance of equipping leaders with robust plans and tools to effectively drive change in today’s challenging environment.
An additional finding from the survey is the inconsistency in communication plans. While 80% of businesses have a communication strategy, only 35% review these plans frequently, creating a mismatch between change programmes and their communication.
Notably, 75% of organisations do not have a dedicated change team, which can impede effective management of complex change programmes. Mills suggests that a dedicated team or individual should be appointed to manage these initiatives, providing a clear contact point and ownership for the process.
HR professionals note that with an average of six change programmes annually, more than half require fresh approaches, underscoring the need for strategic preparation and adaptability.
The survey underscores the critical need for better preparation and support in managing organisational change effectively.
