How Can I Implement HR Changes Smoothly When Colleagues Resist? Seeking Advice!

Dear All,

I have recently joined an organization where HR is not being implemented properly. So, my senior has told me to bring change regarding it. My problem is that I need to do it, but many people who have been working for so many years are not ready for this. My senior says that I should do it, but not show that I am forcing this on them. My intention is to do it in a smooth way. For example, personnel files are not properly maintained, but I need to collect all the necessary documents for this. However, the people are not ready for this. How do I bring change in the organization? Please let me know your valuable ideas.

Pooja Aggarwal
9873839383

Dear Pooja,

Your problem is not a new one. If you rewind your thoughts and observe, we Indians are never ready to implement any change. So never quit, always put in your hard effort to maintain or change. You will definitely implement changes.

Dear Ms. Pooja Aggarwal,

"People do not resist change but they resist being changed." This is human psychology. Your fight is with this age-old human psychology.

Your problem is that your staff is institutionalized because they have worked in a stereotyped environment. "This is what happens here" is the mantra of their professional life.

Change has to be brought from the top. This top-down approach will solve your problem to a certain extent. A bottoms-up approach may not work in your case.

One way of bringing change is to set performance standards for every position. Performance measures force employees to change whether they like it or not.

Another way of changing the mindset is training the employees on change management. Here, the emphasis should be on personal change and not on organizational change.

If you wish, I can handle the training of the employees on personal change. You can obtain permission from your management, and we can take things forward.

To make you aware of my training activities, I have attached a copy of my Training e-Brochure to this post.

Ok...

Dinesh V Divekar

[dineshdivekar@yahoo.com]

"Limit of your words is the limit of your world."

Hi Pooja,

Like Shivraj stated, change will always be resisted. The trick is to work out the long-term changes you plan, then detail out the intermediate steps and implement the changes very slowly and in a phased manner. Ideally, you must get your seniors to issue the circulars that seek information or documentation like what you are planning.

One reason for resisting change is the fear of the unknown and the comfort with the status quo. You will have to build trust with the employees, and though you are eager and want to see results immediately, you will have to move very slowly initially. Start with one small department and then cautiously move on to the larger ones. Begin with the newer employees and then the veterans.

Perhaps using a training program to inform the employees about the criticality of documenting, etc., will help. For example, you can explain to them how important it is to have updated details for settling claims and statutory dues. Also, send a subtle message that the appraisals and increments will depend on the completion of the personal files and up-to-date data in them.

Be creative in your approach but make sure you don't tread on toes.

Best Wishes