[Image description: A person dressed formally stands confidently, clutching a folder with a vibrant blue cover. He is engaging in a conversation with an individual in a wheelchair. Next to the person standing is a wall of icons. On display are icons of Microsoft Teams and Slack, as well as symbols that represent creative thinking, evaluation, and conversation]
If you’ve dealt with organisational change, you know it can be as tricky as herding cats. Here are some of the latest trends that will keep you on the right path.
1. Make it personal
Remember the days when mass emails felt as personal as a robot’s handshake? Those days are gone. People need to feel heard and understood. It’s like giving each employee their own little slice of the change pie—sweet, specific, and satisfying.
2. Tell a story
The average attention span is approximately 8 seconds - shorter than a TikTok video - so why not harness the power of visuals? Use infographics, videos and memes (yes, memes!). Show, don’t tell - visual storytelling grabs your audience’s attention and makes your message stick. Plus, who doesn’t love a good meme?
3. Speak to your teams
Use interactive and collaborative platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams to engage your team. Think of it as the difference between listening to a lecture and taking part in a lively discussion. Which one would you rather attend?
4. The use of AI and chatbots
Chatbots and AI, like ChatGPT, are becoming must-haves in the communication toolbox. These digital buddies can help you out with common questions, offer personalised updates, and provide feedback. It’s like having a 24/7 assistant that never stops, no need for coffee breaks. Just imagine the possibilities!
5. Show Emotional Intelligence
Change is a deeply personal experience. Showing empathy, really listening and caring about concerns are more important than ever in change communication. A study found that employees who felt trusted were three times more engaged (81%) compared to those who didn’t.
6. Be transparent
In an age where information is at our fingertips, transparency becomes even more important. Be transparent about your reasons, the steps, and your desired outcome. When people understand the “why” and the “how,” they’re more likely to get on board. And guess what? Being transparent builds trust (by a whopping 86% according to a 2024 Deloitte study), and trust is the glue that holds everything together.
7. Be concise
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s super important to keep things simple and clear when sharing information and ideas. Delivering information in small, manageable chunks—is the answer. Think short videos, quick article summaries (such as what’s shown at the top of this blog), and concise tutorials. This approach not only fits seamlessly into busy schedules but also improves information retention by up to 20%.
For example, instead of long training sessions, your team can benefit from shorter article summaries or quick tutorials that give them actionable insights.
8. Communicate inclusively
Change affects everyone, so we need to hear from diverse voices. Inclusive communication is about hearing from everyone, including people with different backgrounds and experiences, like those with neurodivergent conditions and physical impairments. When we make sure everyone can understand what we’re saying, it helps everyone feel included and valued. According to McKinsey, this can boost employee engagement by 32%.
9. Ask for feedback
Lastly, remember how important feedback is. Feedback loops help you stay on top of what’s going well, what’s not, and what needs fixing. It’s like having a GPS for your change journey, helping you stay on the right path.
These nine change communication trends are shaping how successful change-makers communicate, and by embracing them, you’ll master the art of change communication.
Better yet, bring in the experts! Our approach to change communications is personal, inclusive, and innovative, helping organisations big or small with their unique needs. Why not get in touch to discuss your needs?
