How to practice change management in the manufacturing industry

Change is scary, but it's also a skill. For manufacturers, it's an especially important one.

If there's anything the manufacturing industry has learned from recent years, it's perhaps that adapting is paramount to surviving. Managing change isn't about reacting to disruption, it's about proactively mitigating, expecting and planning for it.

That's why it's more important than ever for industry leaders to answer the call and take on this challenge. To help you hone your skills, here are a few effective ways to embrace change in manufacturing.

Think of change management as a competitive advantage

The best organizations know the value of being agile. When it comes to navigating a world of disruptions – whether that be a pandemic, supply chain delay or labor shortage – flexibility is the key to success.

In turn, the first step managers should take toward embracing change is to consider it an asset rather than an obstacle. Put simply, being able to mitigate change when it comes your way puts you at an advantage relative to the competition. Where they may be tripped up, your company hurdles with ease – all because you were proactively prepared to make that jump.

Make adopting change a collaborative process

There are two primary approaches to change management: Directive and collaborative. The former, according to?LaMarsh Global , is when a leader tells the workforce to change. In other words, they enforce change at their own discretion whether employees are ready or not.

The latter is much more effective. Collaborative change is when managers and employees work together to understand and prepare for change. Not only does this establish two-way communication between the workforce and management, but it also minimizes resistance to change, which can bog down the process.

Focus on being an empathetic leader

As the pandemic demonstrated, unforeseen disruptions often leave their biggest impact on the workforce. In turn, it's increasingly vital for manufacturers to create a workplace culture that is resilient enough to withstand such drastic changes.

A great way for managers to establish this culture is by creating deeper, more meaningful relationships with their employees. Engaging in conversations and expressing empathy with workers during times of change are pivotal when it comes to keeping them happy.

Better yet, employees who feel heard are much likelier to stick around through thick and thin. Per Zendesk,?active listening ?is one of the pivotal skills that enables change management to work effectively.

Educate your employees

By extension, it's important to make sure everyone – managers and workers alike – are prepared when change comes. Deploying automation, for example, is a significant transformation for your workforce.

In fact, AIIM's recent study indicates that?nearly 1-in-5 companies ?are worried about managing change when it comes to automation, particularly in regards to a lack of skill. In this example, it's imperative that managers reach out to their employees and provide?adequate training to best work through this challenge.