Explain How It Will Make the Company Better
Changes can make employees nervous. Whether you’re announcing an acquisition, a reorg, or a new HR policy, people often need help processing the information. Make the announcement go more smoothly by explaining the reason behind the change. Give the background on what’s not working and why the new plan will alleviate that organizational pain point.
For example, talk about how customers have been hurt or how the business is incurring extra expenses, and explain exactly how the change will solve the problem.
Also, discuss how the change will affect people on an individual level; employees’ first reaction is often to ask, “What does this mean for me?” Don’t sugarcoat any inconveniences the change will bring. And avoid the urge to say that delivering the news is hard for you — that may sound manipulative. Instead, demonstrate humility and responsibility, and focus on what your employees need.
Adapted from “How to Tell Your Team That Organizational Change Is Coming,” by Liz Kislik
