If employees do not understand why organizational changes are happening, they might resist those changes, which is why leaders must make an effort to explain the reasoning behind them, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Here are four steps leaders should take to explain organizational changes:
1. Inspire people by presenting a compelling vision for the future. It is important to share details of what will be changing, while also articulating the big picture that lies ahead if the changes are implemented.
2. Keep employees informed by providing regular communications. Your communication with employees should never be one and done. You should provide your employees with regular updates that are clear and consistent. Acknowledge that you don't have all the answers, but note you will provide them as they come to you.
3. Empower leaders and managers to lead through change. Make sure you are equipping organizational leaders with information and resources they can disseminate from the top down.
4. Find creative ways to involve employees in the change. Solicit employee feedback during change to improve engagement and buy-in. If employees feel a sense of ownership with change initiatives, there is a greater chance the changes will be adopted.