Nigeria: Effective Change Management Strategies In A Workplace During A Pandemic
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainties in the business environment as many organisations are struggling with how to handle the issues arising from the pandemic. Employers and Employees react differently to uncertainties, including feelings of loss of control, anxiety around well-being, and speculations around financial insecurity and job loss.1 While some employees are struggling with the chaotic work from home arrangement; finding it difficult to maintain a good work and life balance, employers are trying to find ways to keep their employees productive and engaged, while making sure their business is still profitable.
Change is naturally difficult and advisedly should be taken slowly but the pandemic has caused many organizations to make changes on the fly to survive the "New Normal". The abrupt changes though needed could cause frictions in the operations of many businesses. Some of the changes might be reduction in staff strength, implementation of a work from home policy, multifaceted reporting lines, adjustments to the mode of communication, down to engagement with various stakeholders who in a bid to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols may opt for virtual meetings instead of the conventional physical face to face meetings which was the norm prior to the pandemic.
For organisations who are not proactive and with a change management process in place, having to implement all the changes required to remain in business may result in an anxious workforce and a precarious work environment.
1. Discuss the case using Lewin's change management model.
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