Making process improvements is only half the battle, the real challenge is ensuring your team adopts them. Change can be tough, but with the right strategies, you can drive adoption and turn these improvements into lasting, impactful changes.

According to McKinsey, 70% of large-scale change initiatives fail, primarily because organisations don’t focus enough on the human side of change. So, how can you increase the chances of success?

Here’s how you can drive adoption of process improvements within your team:

1. Communicate the “Why” and Make It Relatable

People are more likely to embrace change when they understand why it’s happening. Don’t roll out new processes without explaining the bigger picture. Clear communication is key, especially when introducing new processes that might disrupt the status quo.

It’s a fact that employees would be more likely to embrace change if leaders provided clear communication on the purpose and benefits. Make sure your team understands that these process improvements will lead to better efficiency, higher productivity, or even work-life balance – and most importantly, how these changes benefit them directly.

2. Involve Your Team Early and Get Their Feedback

Improvement isn’t just about top-down decisions. By involving your team early on and asking for their input, you create a sense of ownership. According to a Gallup study, teams with high engagement levels are 21% more productive than those with low engagement. When employees feel like they’re part of the decision-making process, they’re much more likely to feel responsible for the success of the change.

Bring your team into the conversation. Get their feedback on the process improvements, ask for suggestions, and, when possible, integrate their ideas into the final plan. Not only will this boost adoption, but it will also improve the quality of the change itself.

3. Provide Proper Training and Continuous Support

No one likes feeling unprepared, especially when adopting a new process. Training and support are essential in helping your team navigate changes. According to a study by PwC, 74% of employees say they don’t have the skills to keep up with technological changes. Without proper training, even the best improvements won’t stick.

Ensure your team has access to comprehensive training sessions and provide ongoing support. Encourage them to ask questions and request additional training if needed. This will help them transition smoothly and feel confident using new processes. Lead by example and support your team through the learning curve.

4. Lead by Example and Show Commitment

Leadership sets the tone for the rest of the team. When you visibly commit to the changes, it reinforces the importance of the new processes. 60% of employees say their leaders’ behaviour is a major influence on their willingness to adopt new processes.

Model the desired behaviour and actively use the new processes yourself. This builds trust and shows your team that you’re serious about the changes. When you embrace new ways of working, it encourages your team to do the same.

5. Celebrate Quick Wins and Build Momentum

Adoption is a journey, not a sprint. But celebrating quick wins along the way helps build momentum and increase confidence. Recognise small victories in the process improvement journey – whether that’s meeting an early milestone, reducing turnaround time, or receiving positive feedback from the team.

Celebrating success helps show the tangible benefits of the changes. Employees who receive regular recognition are more likely to be engaged. This motivates your team to keep moving forward for even better results as the process improvements become part of their daily work.

Why It Matters

By focusing on communication, involvement, training, leadership, and recognition, you’ll position your team to not only drive change but also sustain it for the long haul. Businesses that successfully implement process improvements see tangible results. INSERT FACTS ? DATA TO SUPPORT THIS These improvements lead to stronger outcomes, which help your team grow and your business scale.

At FifthEagle, we help businesses implement change that sticks. From strategy to execution, we’re here to support you through the process and ensure the long-term success of your improvements. Whether it’s building a plan, getting buy-in, or monitoring progress, FifthEagle’s holistic approach is designed to make process improvements a sustainable part of your business.

If you are implementing change in your business, we’d love to talk to you.