Change management tools for success

Successful innovation interventions and major changes to our work routines require more than simply great ideas and skilled implementation. They also require effective change management.  

In a recent article in Harvard Business Review, Lynda Gratton takes a deep dive into “Redesigning How We Work,” a piece that underscores the critical importance of change management practices. She notes, “the changes [companies are] contemplating to workplace practices and norms may be more significant than anything that’s happened in generations,” this in reference to the shift to hybrid and work-from-home models. These “innovations” were a result of pandemic constraints that have forced companies to reimagine how business is done, and what “work” is. 

The article discusses how to design hybrid work in ways that support innovation and its challenges. It bears a higher-level review of the importance and function of change management in all businesses, and especially healthcare, which is so dependent on in-person employees, but is increasingly incorporating telehealth and remote patient monitoring solutions that must be adopted with high employee buy-in for lasting success. 

Innovation projects that incorporate change management principles are more likely to be embraced and adopted by employees, leading to increased participation and satisfaction. 

So, what is change management? Change management is a structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state. It involves identifying and addressing the people side of change, including communication, training, and stakeholder engagement. In the context of innovation interventions, change management is essential to ensure that employees are prepared and willing to adopt new processes and technologies. 

Here are some key steps for incorporating change management into innovation intervention project plans: 

• Define the change: Clearly articulate the purpose and expected outcomes of the innovation intervention. Communicate the vision for the future state and provide context for why the change is necessary. 
• Assess the impact: Identify how the innovation intervention will affect employees, processes, and systems. Conduct a change impact assessment to understand the potential risks and challenges and develop a plan to mitigate them. 
• Engage stakeholders: Involve employees and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation process. Solicit feedback, address concerns, and build support for innovation intervention. 
• Communicate effectively: Develop a comprehensive communication plan that includes regular updates, training sessions, and opportunities for feedback. Use multiple channels to reach different audiences, and tailor messages to address specific concerns or questions. 
• Provide training and support: Ensure that employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to adopt and use the innovation intervention effectively. Provide ongoing training and support and address any barriers or obstacles to adoption. 
• Monitor progress: Measure and track progress toward the desired future state. Collect feedback from employees and stakeholders and use data to refine the implementation plan, as necessary. 

Incorporating change management into innovation intervention project plans can increase the likelihood of success and employee satisfaction. By taking a structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state, healthcare organizations can achieve their efficiency and process improvement goals. 

Building on extensive experience in the fields of journalism, media production, and learning design and development, John Marc Green’s newest adventure is serving as Director of CHIME Innovation. In this role, his ongoing conversations with CHIME Members and Partners provide insights and direction to serve their interests in a variety of ways, including digital healthcare innovation journalism, professional development events and program facilitation, and on-demand educational development through CHIME Innovation.