In: Operations Management
Do you believe it is inevitable that employees will respond to change within the workplace with feelings of fear? If you respond yes, then suggest actions managers can take to mitigate these fearful responses. If your answer is no, then describe the actions taken by companies that prevent these fearful responses. Share any life experiences you may have seen regarding how well or how poorly companies implemented major changes in the workplace. Why were they effective or ineffective? What can be done to improve the workplace in terms of managing fear that employees may feel at times?
It is and has been a trend where a change in the organization inflicts a sense of fear among the employees- be it in the form of job cut or degradation.
Actions amanager could take to mitigate these fearful response are:
1. Assure the subordinates about the reason for change and that there won't be any job cuts.
2. Provide proper training.
3. Keep them updated about the change.
Recently, Flipkart.com was taken over by Walmart. There hasn't been any significant changes in the top management. Even Flipkart increased the ESOP quantity for every employees and assured a buy back at an inflated price. Managers received their promotion and pay hike as expected and also on time. Employees were updated periodically about the changes. Every events were conducted as expeted.
They were effective because they kept things open and clear. The manager and the organization did whatever they could to restore the employees'confidence and trust in the organization.
Following measures could be taken:
1. Employees should be given the liberty to speak and should be heard too.
2. One on one discussion with employees.
3. Ask them to take on more responsibilities.