Your employee is resisting a new company policy. How can you effectively support them during this transition?

1 Listen First

Active listening is the cornerstone of effective employee relations. When an employee resists a policy change, it's important to first understand their perspective. Listen without interrupting, acknowledge their feelings, and validate their concerns. This doesn't mean you agree with them, but it shows that you respect their viewpoint. Through active listening, you can identify specific issues and work towards addressing them, which can help ease the transition for the employee.

2 Communicate Why

Transparency is key when implementing new policies. Explain the reasons behind the change, how it benefits the organization, and, if possible, the individual employee. Understanding the 'why' can make a significant difference in how policies are received. Share any data or insights that led to the decision, and be open to questions. Clear communication helps demystify the change and can reduce resistance.

4 Address Concerns

Take the time to address any concerns your employee raises. Provide detailed responses and, if necessary, adapt your approach based on their feedback. If their concerns are valid, consider how the policy might be adjusted or how additional support can be provided. Addressing concerns not only helps with the transition but also builds trust and shows that you value your employee's input.

5 Encourage Feedback

Encourage ongoing feedback from your employee. This creates a dialogue that allows for continuous improvement and shows that you're committed to making the transition as smooth as possible. Feedback can provide insights into the broader team's reception of the policy and highlight areas where further clarification or adjustment is needed.

6 Monitor Progress

Finally, monitor the progress of your employee's adaptation to the new policy. Check in regularly, acknowledge improvements, and continue to offer support. Recognize that adaptation may take time and that patience is key. By monitoring progress, you can celebrate small victories along the way and reinforce positive change.