The importance of inclusion and diversity in change management
Change management and systems adoption are all about getting employees on board with new processes and tools. To do this effectively, it’s important to consider employee diversity, inclusion and learning styles. Nowhere is this more significant than in South Africa – one of the world’s most diverse nations.
Its rich cultural history and current socioeconomic climate make South Africa a truly unique and beautiful place to work, but this means that embracing diversity is essential to the success of any change management process. Can!do understands the unique nuances and challenges of the local business environment and we take into account the diverse range of individuals in all systems change processes.
Change management in the South African context
The business landscape has evolved significantly over the past few decades. During the apartheid era, many businesses wanted to maintain the status quo, however, in 1994 companies recognised the importance of change management in bringing about radical changes within the workplace.
These included embracing a far more diverse mix of employees and new perspectives on work itself. Change management became a vital tool for companies to promote inclusion and cater to a wider range of cultural, linguistic and religious needs.
To this day, South Africa’s unique history and cultural landscape present certain opportunities and challenges for change management companies. Initiatives need to be sensitive to these differences in the workplace and promote inclusion in order to be more impactful.
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Diversity is not only about cultural differences, but it also includes gender, age, religion and sexual orientation. On the other hand, inclusion is the practice of creating an environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute to the business. These two ideas need to work hand-in-hand when it comes to implementing new processes, systems and tools in any company.
By taking into account the diverse perspectives of employees and fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment, companies are better able to navigate the complexities of systems change and ensure that all employees are committed to the outcome by allowing them to learn in a manner that best suits them. It’s a balancing act that will get everyone on board and working towards the same goal.
There are a number of benefits to companies that successfully embrace diversity and inclusion:
- Improved employee engagement – Inclusive workspaces foster a sense of belonging and commitment from employees. This improves engagement and productivity.
- Improved decision-making – Including a diverse range of perspectives can help to improve business decisions and solutions to complex problems.
- Improved reputation – Businesses that prioritise diversity and inclusion are viewed favourably by local customers, investors and potential employees.
How to accommodate diversity in systems change
This is a two-step process. Firstly, businesses undergoing systems change need to have a clear vision and strategy for accommodating diversity. These include working with a change management partner that incorporates various perspectives into the process and ensures that all employees are represented. Their different learning styles need to be considered when building systems change solutions.
Secondly, training and support throughout the process is vital. It will help employees to understand and appreciate the benefits of diversity and to consider other perspectives at the same time. This comes through open communication and dialogues between employees and the change management team. This is why it’s important to work with a change management team that understands the nuances of the local landscape.
A South African change management partner will understand the importance of diversity and ensure that inclusion plays a central role in any projects and initiatives. Can!do will help you develop a clear vision and strategy for establishing inclusive change, whether it’s for your employees or the systems that they use.
We cater to various learning styles to make the process of systems change seamless for your employees. Our three-decade experience in South Africa also means that we can adapt to your unique needs and develop change solutions that work. For more information about our services, please contact us today.
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Can!do works with large enterprises in South Africa to maximise the value of their employees, technology and business processes. To do this, we offer three fundamental services; change management, capability development and performance optimisation.
We have 30 years of experience in these fields and have worked with leading companies in South Africa. We are a certified Level 2 B-BBEE company and a leading provider of new business systems and processes that drive user adoption. For industry insights and news, please follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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